New genetic research sheds light on the association of pre-eclampsia with cardiovascular diseases

A new Finnish study conducted by Tampere University has found that pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure, shares many genetic risk factors with chronic hypertension. The study identified 19 genetic loci associated with pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy, based on data from approximately 300,000 women. These genetic risk factors are related to blood pressure traits, as well as physiological changes during pregnancy, such as placenta development and kidney function regulation. The findings suggest that women with pre-eclampsia should be vigilant about their lifestyle choices to avoid chronic hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Pre-eclampsia can serve as an early indication of a hereditary disposition to such conditions, highlighting the importance of lifestyle changes for long-term health. Further research is needed to understand the individual variation and biological causes of pre-eclampsia and its connection to cardiovascular diseases. The study was funded by various Finnish organizations, including the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation and the Academy of Finland.