Medical Problems: Hypertension During Pregnancy

OVERVIEW

This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of hypertension during pregnancy. This term is a subcategory of the more broad topic of hypertension. 

Hypertension in the setting of pregnancy is approached slightly differently given the clinical context (source)
Hypertension in the setting of pregnancy is approached slightly differently given the clinical context (source)
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Hypertension during pregnancy refers to an elevated blood pressure in a pregnant female. This is a broad topic and can be further subdivided into the following categories.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

This vital sign abnormality can be the sign of a serious underlying pathology.

ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL

The differential diagnosis for hypertension during pregnancy can be organized in a few different ways:

  • Can’t miss diagnosis
  • Organ systen
  • Disease category
  • Diagnostic modality
  • Most common diagnosis
CLINICAL “WORKUP”

Now that the possible causes of hypertension during pregnancy have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with hypertension during pregnancy. 

  • Collecting the history
  • Performing the physical
  • Ordering studies/tests
  • Intrepreting clinical data
TREATMENT

The treatment of hypertension during pregnancy may vary depending on the etiology of the condition, and is elaborated upon more below:

  • Overview of treatments 

 

Page Updated: 12.04.2016