Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and women's health throughout the life course: an update review 2025-2026.

Abstract

Despite growing research efforts to prevent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and preeclampsia (PE), the global incidence of HDP continues to rise. This trend parallels the increasing prevalence of chronic hypertension (CH) and obesity among women of reproductive age. HDP is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity, and can contribute to multiple cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, preventing HDP and PE may improve pregnancy outcomes and holds promise for long-term cardiovascular health. Recent studies highlight the use of individualized prevention strategies, including tailored low‑dose aspirin regimens based on maternal pathophysiology. Angiogenic biomarkers such as the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/ placental growth factor ratio are used clinically to stratify PE risk, enabling the timely identification of high-risk women for targeted intervention. Growing recognition of the preconception and postpartum period as a critical window underscores the need for systematic follow‑up of blood pressure, lifestyle factors, and cardiovascular risk. Emerging evidence supports a life-course approach that views HDP not as a transient pregnancy complication but as a critical sentinel event of future cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing cardiovascular health from preconception to postpartum.