Pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and cardiovascular disease later in life: the case for a risk group.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Women with pre-eclampsia (PE) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life. This association might reflect an effect of pre-eclampsia on mechanisms inducing a higher risk of CVD or the presence of a group at risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The possibility that women with a magnesium deficiency might constitute a risk group was examined using published evidence form investigations on PE and CVD. RESULTS: Available data strongly suggest that a magnesium deficiency is a major risk factor for both PE and for CVD disease later in life. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium homeostasis studies in women with PE should be undertaken for validation purposes. The results suggest that women with PE should be given dietary counselling to decrease future risks of CVD.