Poster Presentation ESA-SRB-ANZOS 2025 in conjunction with ENSA

Obesity and haemodynamic profile in early pregnancy (128001)

Aasiya Mohebi 1 2 , Julia Dalton 3 , Gustaaf Dekker 1 2 3 , Maleesa Pathirana 1 2 4 , Melanie Wittwer 1 2 4 , Shalem Leemaqz 1 , Margaret Arstall 1 4 , Prabha Andraweera 1 2 4
  1. Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  2. Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  3. Department of Women’s Health, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  4. Department of Cardiology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Background: Obesity is known to be associated with haemodynamic alterations that can lead to cardiovascular disease. We investigated the haemodynamic profile of women living with obesity and normal weight women.

Methods: Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the Lyell McEwin Hospital prior to 16 weeks’ gestation were recruited. Data collected included demographic information, medical history, previous obstetric history, family history, exercise, diet, smoking and alcohol intake. Height and weight were measured, and the haemodynamic profile was assessed non-invasively using USCOM BM+ machine. Haemodynamic parameters of women living with obesity (BMI ≥30, n = 104) were compared with those of normal weight women (BMI 18 – 24.9, n = 104).

Results: Age and gestational age at recruitment were similar in women living with obesity and normal weight women (29.6±5.3 vs 28.6±4.7 p>0.05). Pregnant women living with obesity had significantly higher peripheral systolic blood pressure (115±15 vs 101±11 mmHg, p< 0.001), peripheral diastolic blood pressure (67±8 vs 61±6 mmHg,  < 0.001), central systolic blood pressure (103±13 vs 92±11 mmHg, p< 0.001) central diastolic blood pressure (68±9 vs 61±8 mmHg, p< 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (87± 9 vs 77± 8mmHg, p < 0.001) compared to normal weight pregnant women. After adjusting for confounding factors including age, gestational age at assessment and smoking, the results remained significant. Augmentation index was higher among women living with obesity compared to normal weight women but was not statistically significant (49.8±24 vs 61±22, p=0.8). 

Conclusion: The mean blood pressure values observed in the two groups are within the normal reference values. However, the significantly higher values seen in the women who were living with obesity group suggest alterations in young women. Screening these women in the post-partum period after the physiological changes in pregnancy return to normal, will help identify young women who may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Key words: haemodynamic profile, obesity, pregnancy