PreeclampsiaFrom our partner site on heart disease, MyHeartCentral.com.
Preeclampsia is the development of elevated blood pressureand protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy. It may be associated with swellingof the face and hands. Alternative Names: Toxemia; Pregnancy-induced hypertension Causes, incidence, and risk factors: The exact cause of preeclampsia is not known. Many unproved theories of potential causes exist, including genetic, dietary, vascular (blood vessel), and autoimmune factors. Preeclampsia occurs in approximately 8% of all pregnancies. Increased risk is associated with first pregnancies, advanced maternal age, African-American heritage, multiple pregnancies, and a past history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.
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