Invited Perspective: Toxic Metals and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

The worldwide prevalence of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia is estimated at 10% and 2%–8%, respectively. In the United States alone, the incidence of preeclampsia—a leading cause of maternal mortality—increased by 25% between 1987 and 2004. Despite the prevalence and severity of these conditions, definitive causes remain elusive, hindering risk reduction interventions. There has been increasing attention to the role of environmental chemicals, including toxic metals, in the development of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia (together termed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy). The recent study by Borghese et al. significantly contributes to the growing literature establishing associations between toxic metal exposure and these disorders.