Understanding the association between preeclampsia and the heart

Dr Jessica Yao, Melbourne Health

2023 PhD Scholarships

Years funded: 2024 - 2026

1 in every 5 Australian women is estimated to have cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is well established that women who have preeclampsia (PE) during pregnancy are at increased risk of later-life CVD. PE affects around 3-8% of all pregnancies, with the incidence increasing over the last 2 decades. Women with a history of PE are 2 times more likely to have coronary artery disease and 4 times more likely to develop heart failure compared to the general population. Currently, there is limited knowledge around CVD screening in this group.

This study aims to characterise the long term CVD outcomes in women who have had PE, as well as identify genetic and biological factors which increase risk of CVD in this group. Understanding these risk factors and the natural history of CVD in these women will allow for improved stratification of women at highest risk. This will enable development of medium to long-term screening and intervention strategies in these women before clinical disease manifests.