FREQUENCY AND PATTERN OF HYPERTENSION IN PREGNANCY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, posing significant health challenges globally. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in reducing complications such as preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and maternal cardiovascular risks. Despite its clinical significance, there is limited regional data on the burden and patterns of hypertension in pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the frequency and distribution of hypertensive disorders among pregnant women in a local population. Objective: To assess the prevalence and pattern of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and eclampsia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Cardiology Department, Northwest General Hospital, Peshawar, from June 24, 2023, to December 23, 2023. A total of 81 pregnant women aged 20 to 40 years, with a gestational age beyond 20 weeks and a confirmed singleton pregnancy, were enrolled. Blood pressure measurements were recorded on three separate occasions, 24 hours apart. Hypertension was categorized based on standard clinical definitions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and associations between hypertension patterns and demographic variables were assessed. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.68 ± 10.24 years, with 51.9% aged 30 years or below. The mean BMI was 23.87 ± 2.66 kg/m², and 59.3% of participants had a BMI above 23.0 kg/m². Pre-eclampsia was the most frequently observed hypertensive disorder, affecting 39.5% (n=32) of patients, followed by chronic hypertension in 25.9% (n=21) and gestational hypertension in 23.5% (n=19). Eclampsia was the least common, recorded in 7.4% (n=6) of cases. No statistically significant association was found between hypertension patterns and age, BMI, parity, or gestational age. Conclusion: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are common, with pre-eclampsia being the predominant condition. Regular blood pressure monitoring and early screening should be emphasized to ensure timely diagnosis and management, reducing adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.