P-wave duration changes and dispersion in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to study P wave parameters to determine the association between preeclampsia and future cardiovascular risk and to study the possible correlation between P waves and severity of preeclampsia.

STUDY DESIGN: In this case-control study 58 pregnant women with preeclampsia and 30 normal pregnant women were compared by measuring maximum and minimum P-wave durations and P-wave dispersion (Pd) in the late third trimester.

RESULTS: Minimum P wave values were lower and Pd values were higher, both significantly, in the preeclampsia groups than in the control group. In addition, the Pd values of the severe preeclampsia group were higher compared to that of the mild preeclampsia group.

CONCLUSION: Preeclampsia predisposes the patient to future cardiovascular complications including atrial or ventricular arrhythmias, but validated tools to assess the risks are yet not available. P-wave duration and Pd constitute a recent contribution to the field of noninvasive electrocardiology. Our data clearly demonstrated that minimum P wave and Pd values were significantly altered in preeclamptic pregnant women when compared to the controls. This important association can be used to screen women for increased risk in order to better target counseling regardinglifestyle modifications and to follow up and manage women with a history of preeclampsia more closely.