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Contact: Angie Porter
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APorter@ASEcho.org
Echocardiography Plays an Important Role in Identifying Risk of Future Hypertension in Preeclampsia Patients
(DURHAM, NC, June 14, 2024)—Research that will be presented at the American Society of Echocardiography’s 35th Annual Scientific Sessions, June 14-16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, will share how echocardiography can be used to help predict the future development of hypertension in women who had preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage during pregnancy, affects numerous women worldwide. After giving birth, some women who experienced preeclampsia are at an increased risk of developing hypertension. However, accurately identifying those at risk can be challenging, and there is currently limited research on how echocardiographic changes influence outcomes.
The research study, titled “Echocardiographic Parameters Associated with Future Hypertension in Patients with Preeclampsia,” intended to address that knowledge gap by utilizing echocardiography performed in the first three months post-preeclampsia to identify specific findings that could indicate an increased risk of high blood pressure in the future.
Researchers retrospectively examined echocardiographic predictors, such as left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and increased interventricular septal thickness (IVSD), as parameters for future diagnosis of hypertension. Out of the 252 women included in the study, which was conducted at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, Penn., nearly 50 percent were subsequently diagnosed with hypertension during follow-up within 2.3 years.
“Our study used echocardiography to check for specific findings that could identify women who might be at higher risk for high blood pressure after preeclampsia,” said lead author Dr. Anushree Puttur, a resident physician at the Allegheny Health Network. “By finding these clues, we hope to improve how we monitor and care for women after they’ve had preeclampsia.”
ASE 2024 will feature more than 450 abstract presentations showcasing cutting-edge research on the latest advances in cardiovascular ultrasound and cases illustrating breakthroughs in patient care. This research study will be presented as a rapid-fire abstract presentation on Saturday, June 15, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center. Learn more about ASE 2024 and download the conference’s final event program at ASEScientificSessions.org.
About American Society of Echocardiography
The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals™. ASE is the largest global organization for cardiovascular ultrasound imaging serving physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, and scientists and as such is the leader and advocate, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. The Society is committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives. For more information visit ASE’s website ASEcho.org or social media pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram.
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