Increased Intima-Media Thickness of Carotid and Femoral Arteries in Women with Early Preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) later in life. Also, increased intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery was introduced as an independent risk factor for CVDs. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the IMT of carotid and femoral arteries between women with early preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant and nulligravid women. Methods: In this study, which was conducted between May 2019 and January 2020, three groups of women were evaluated: early-onset preeclamptic pregnant women, normotensive pregnant women, and nulligravid women. The IMTs of the common femoral artery, superficial femoral artery, common carotid artery, carotid bulb, and internal carotid artery were measured using B-mode ultrasound. Results: A total of 100 women were enrolled in each group. The means ± SD of age in preeclamptic, normotensive and nulligravid women were 27.78 ± 3.23, 27.16 ± 3.09, and 27.11 ± 2.95, respectively. The mean gestational age of the two pregnant groups was nearly 32 weeks. Based on the results, the mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and arterial pressure were significantly higher in the preeclamptic group compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). The mean IMT of both sides of the common carotid artery, carotid bulb, internal carotid artery, common femoral artery, and superficial femoral artery was significantly higher in the preeclamptic group compared to normotensive pregnant and nulligravid women (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Preeclampsia was associated with the increased IMT of common and internal carotid arteries, as well as common and superficial femoral arteries. Therefore, IMT measurements in preeclamptic women can provide an opportunity to identify those who may benefit from early screening and preventive care to reduce the risk of CVDs in the future.