Abstract

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy constitute an enigmatic and clinically challenging group of pregnancy complications worldwide and the third leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Gestational hypertension does not complicate pregnancy but progresses to preeclampsia if not detected early.Detection of predictors of preeclampsia in gestational hypertensive women will reduce maternal and foetal complications thereby reducing the mortality and morbidity rates.The aim of our study was to analyse the heartrate variability in Gestational hypertensive women in comparison with Normotensive pregnant women.The study was conducted on 30 normotensive pregnant(control group) and 30 gestational hypertensive women(study group). Heartrate variability was recorded using the instrument PHYSIOPAC-PP4, MEDICAID system and HRV indices were analysed in both groups.Frequency domain analysis of HRV showed significant increase in LFnu (p<0.001), decrease in HFnu (p<0.001) and high LF-HF ratio (p<0.001) in the study group compared to control group.Total Power was decreased in the study group. This study showed significant sympathovagal imbalance in gestational hypertensives. HRV analysis, a noninvasive screening method can be used for assessment of sympathovagal imbalance and early detection of preeclampsia.

Description