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Preeclampsia - Overview
Alternative Names
Toxemia; Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Definition of Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is high blood pressure and protein in the urine that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The exact cause of preeclampsia is not known. Possible causes include:
- Autimmune disorders
- Blood vessel problems
- Diet
- Genes
Preeclampsia occurs in a small percentage of pregnancies. Risk factors include:
- African-American heritage
- First pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancies
- Older than age 35
- Past history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease
- Reviewed last on: 8/17/2007
- Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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