Authors:

Sarah Elizabeth Grev

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Chronic hypertension occurs in about 2% of pregnancies and can lead to fatal complications for mother and child [1]. Interestingly, research suggests that the heart may be able to effectively adapt to maintain function during hypertensive pregnancy [1]. However, little is known regarding this cardiac remodeling process. Therefore, our objective was to quantify the cardiac adaptations that occur in hypertensive pregnancies. We assessed cardiac remodeling in mouse models of hypertensive pregnancy group (HT+PREG, n=5), chronic hypertension (HT, n=7), and normotensive pregnancy (PREG, n=4). We collected long axis ECG-kilohertz visualization images and anatomical M-mode and short axis 4D images of the left ventricle via ultrasound. Wall thickness, diameter, stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), and cardiac output (CO) were measured using VevoLab (VisualSonics Inc.). EF decreased in HT animals across the experimental timeline. Wall thickness significantly increased from mid-pregnancy (gestational (e) day 12.5) to postpartum day 1 in the HT+PREG group (p<0.05). Conversely, CO and SV significantly increased compared to baseline at eday12.5 and pday1, respectively, in the HT+PREG group. These results suggest that cardiac function can be maintained during chronic hypertensive pregnancy. Future work involves completing 4D strain and histological analysis of cardiac tissue samples. Overall, this study provides insights into cardiac function and geometric remodeling occurring during hypertensive pregnancies. A potential broader outcome is a better understanding of clinical management of hypertensive pregnancies. [1] A. N. Battarbee, et al., AJOG, 2020. Keywords: Hypertension; Pregnancy; Cardiac Remodeling; Ultrasound

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

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Co-authors:

Sarah Elizabeth Grev