Out-patient diagnostics of psycho-autonomic status in pregnant women with various stages of blood pressure increase

Abstract

Aim. To investigate autonomic regulation and personality traits in pregnant women with increased blood pressure (BP), for better predicting possible pregnancy complications.Material and methods. Seventy-eight women were examined: 30 women with chronic arterial hypertension (CAH), 16 – with high normal BP (HNBP), and 32 – with normal BP (controls). All participants underwent heart rate variability (HRV) assessment and psychological testing. Pregnancy course was monitored in 69 women; nephropathy was diagnosed in 25 (36.2%), and feto-placental insufficiency (FPI) – in 18 (26%).Results. HNBP patients had significantly more autonomous dysfunction complaints, significantly increased SMOL test (mini-MMPI) points, for scales 1, 3, 6, 7, comparing to the other two groups. CAH patients demonstrated disturbed general functional status and non-adequate reaction to physical stress. During trimester I, women with nephropathy and FPI had higher impulsivity and anxiety scale points, and lower total spectral HRV frequency – that could be predicting poor pregnancy outcome.Conclusion. Women with HNBP and CAH need post-partum follow-up and rehabilitation.

Keywords

• arterial hypertension
• pregnancy
• complications
• psycho-autonomic status