Work

Psychosocial stress and persistent postpartum hypertension after preeclampsia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Preeclampsia (PEC) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with increased long-term cardiovascular risk. Psychosocial measures may contribute to this risk but remain understudied. In this cross-sectional study of 65 postpartum women (40 with prior PEC), perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were assessed using validated scales, and their associations with persistent hypertension were evaluated. Persistent hypertension occurred in 1 in 4 women with PEC. Higher perceived stress was independently associated with higher odds of persistent hypertension, while anxiety and depression were not. These findings suggest perceived stress may be an important modifiable risk factor for postpartum hypertension after PEC.

Source: Pregnancy Hypertension

DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2026.101502

Authors: Laila Sheikh, Yaa A. Kwapong, Addis Yilma, Theresa Boyer, Anum Minhas

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,150