Conclusion
Thus, our findings indicate that, while HDPs have demonstrated increased large-artery stiffness in comparison to HP, the microvasculature analyzed by peripheral arterial tonometry was similar among all three groups. Interestingly, the correlation patterns in the nitrite levels, blood pressure, and microvascular function differed in the PE and CH groups.
Methods
The study enrolled 24 HP women, 24 with CH during pregnancy, and 24 with PE who underwent evaluations of large-artery stiffness via PWV assessments and peripheral arterial tonometry via natural logarithm of the reactive hyperemia index (lnRHI) assessments.
Results
Patients with CH and PE exhibited higher large-artery stiffness than HP, although the lnRHI values remained comparable across all groups. Furthermore, PWV values demonstrated a direct correlation or tendency toward a positive correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) in all groups. However, PWV and nitrite concentrations were not correlated. Notably, microvascular function was positively correlated with SBP and DBP in PE, but not in CH or HP. The correlation between lnRHI and nitrite concentrations was observed in the PE group.