Non-severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and oral antihypertensive medications: An argument in favor of use: Treatment of Gestational Hypertension

Abstract

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a common complication of pregnancy and a major contributor to both immediate and long-term morbidity and mortality. Recent data support the treatment of chronic hypertension during pregnancy to a blood pressure goal of <140/90 mmHg. Treatment of severe range blood pressures (≥160/110 mmHg) in the setting of gestational hypertension is recommended to prevent severe morbidity and mortality; however, there remains clinical equipoise regarding treatment of gestational hypertension with blood pressures ≥140/90 but <160/110. While there is limited data to support the treatment of gestational hypertension, we believe that treatment of gestational hypertension to a blood pressure of <140/90, similar to the recommendations for chronic hypertension, will lead to a reduction in severe maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. In this expert review, we summarize the available data regarding the treatment of gestational hypertension and offer recommendations for the treatment of gestational hypertension based on our clinical experience.

Keywords: anti-hypertensives; gestational hypertension; hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.