CompletedObservational

Examining heart and blood vessel health in women with high blood pressure during pregnancy using ultrasound and eye scans

This study aims to understand how high blood pressure during pregnancy affects women's heart and blood vessel health. About 12% of pregnancies involve high blood pressure, which can cause serious issues for both mother and baby. Women who experience this are also at higher risk of heart problems later in life. Researchers will use special eye scans and ultrasound of the eye and neck to look at tiny blood vessels. They want to see if these tests can help identify concerns early. By studying pregnant women with and without high blood pressure, the team hopes to find new ways to spot potential problems sooner, improving safety for mothers and babies now and in the future.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Dundee

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

31 May 2026

Cardiovascular diseases in women with gestational hypertension

What is this study about?

This study is investigating a common pregnancy complication: high blood pressure. About 1 in 8 pregnant women experience high blood pressure, which can sometimes lead to serious issues like restricted baby growth, early birth, or even life-threatening problems for the mother. Importantly, women who have high blood pressure during pregnancy are also more likely to develop heart and blood vessel problems many years later.

Researchers believe that tiny blood vessels play a key role in these conditions. Current methods, like looking at the small blood vessels in the eye, are already used to detect changes in people with conditions like stroke or diabetes. This study will use similar techniques, such as special eye scans and ultrasound of the eye and neck, along with blood tests, to examine these small blood vessels in pregnant women.

The main goal is to see if these new monitoring methods can help identify women who are at risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy, or even future heart and blood vessel issues, much earlier. By understanding these changes, doctors might be able to offer better care and support to pregnant women in the future, helping to prevent complications for both mothers and babies.

Key takeaways

Study examines high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Aims to find early signs of heart and blood vessel problems later in life.
Uses eye scans, ultrasound, and blood tests to look at tiny blood vessels.
No direct personal benefit, but helps improve care for future pregnant women.
Participation involves painless, non-invasive tests (except blood sample).

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women aged 18 or older who are currently pregnant. They need volunteers both with normal blood pressure and those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure during pregnancy.

To be eligible, you shouldn't have any pre-existing heart conditions or eye problems. This ensures the study focuses on changes related to pregnancy and blood pressure, rather than other health issues.

If you're already taking part in another major clinical trial, especially one that involves a new treatment, you might not be able to join this study. The researchers want to make sure the results are clear and not affected by other interventions.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently pregnant?
Do you have a pre-existing heart condition or eye problems? (If yes, you may not be eligible)
Are you able to provide consent to take part in the study?
Are you not currently participating in another major clinical trial involving new treatments?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to participate, the study involves a few different assessments, all of which are quick and generally comfortable. You'll have an eye scan, similar to what you might have at the optician, which takes a digital picture of the back of your eye to look at tiny blood vessels. You'll also have an ultrasound of your eye (while it's closed) and your neck, which uses sound waves to create images and check blood flow – this is painless, though you might feel some gentle pressure.

Another test involves measuring the flexibility of your blood vessels; a small pen-like device will be placed gently on your neck while a cuff is on your thigh. Finally, a small blood sample will be taken, just like during a routine blood test. There are no medications involved in this study, and researchers will follow up with you during your pregnancy. The study is running from October 2023 to June 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits from taking part in this study, but the information gathered will be incredibly valuable. It will help doctors better understand and identify pregnant women at risk of high blood pressure and potential future heart problems, ultimately improving care for other pregnant women. The assessments are mostly non-invasive with very low risks. You might feel slight pressure during ultrasounds or a brief pinprick from the blood test, similar to routine check-ups. The eye scan is quick and painless. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Ninewells Hospital
Approximate
Dundee, Scotland

Common questions

What is 'high blood pressure during pregnancy'?

It's when your blood pressure is consistently higher than normal while you're pregnant, which can sometimes cause health concerns for you and your baby.

Are the tests painful?

No, the tests are generally not painful. You might feel some gentle pressure during the ultrasound or a quick prick for the blood sample, but discomfort should be minimal and brief.

How long will my participation take?

The study visits will involve various tests like eye scans, ultrasounds, and a blood test. The exact duration of each visit is not specified, but the tests are quick.

Who is funding this research?

The University of Dundee in the UK is funding this research study.

Will I get my test results?

The study information doesn't specify if individual results will be provided, but the findings will help inform future care for pregnant women.

How to find out more

Sarah Alkhurainej

2590444@dundee.ac.uk +44 (0)7535889247 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.