Brachial artery stiffening in healthy primigravidas is associated with weight gain and increased cardiac output

Abstract

Objective: To assess brachial artery distensibility and associated factors in healthy primigravidas. Methods: We assessed brachial artery distensibility using the DynaPulse 5,000A in 37 women each trimester, and 6–8 weeks and 1–5 years postpartum. Associations with physical and cardiometabolic measures were considered. Results: Mean (SE) brachial artery distensibility (%Δ/mmHg) decreased (stiffened) from 7.50 (0.20) 12–14 weeks to 6.93 (0.22) 36–38 weeks (p < .01) and returned to baseline 7.52 (0.44) at 2.7 years postpartum. Weight gain and greater cardiac output were significantly related to greater stiffness. Conclusion: Increased weight and cardiac output of pregnancy were associated with brachial artery stiffening.

Keywords

• arterial stiffness
• pregnancy