Atherogenic index of plasma and dyslipidemia in preeclampsia- a risk factor for future maternal coronary arterial disease

Aim and Objective: To compare the serum lipid profile i.e. Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-C, VLDL-C and HDL-C, atherogenic index (AI), and there correlation/association with Pregnancy induced hypertensioin (PIH) .Methods: We analysed the fasting blood sample for lipid profile and urine for protein in 60 PIH  primigravida cases and in 60 normal ANC controls. In that we analysed  Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) by fully automated biochemistry analyser. Results: The mean value of atherogenic index TC/HDL-C in controls and cases are 3.42 ± 0.36 and 5.25 ± 0.97 respectively. AI (TC/HDL-C) was higher (twice the average risk) than normal in cases as compared to controls and the difference was highly significant (p<0.001).The mean value of atherogenic index LDL-C/HDL-C in controls (normal pregnant women) and cases (PIH women in third trimester) was found to be 1.76 ± 0.3 and 2.96 ± 0.74 respectively. There was significant increase in atherogenic ratio LDL-C/HDL-C in cases (PIH women) as compared to controls (normal pregnant women in third trimester) (p<0.001).Conclusion: PIH is associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia. Therefore estimation of lipid profile in primigravidae at antenatal visits may help in identifying high risk pregnancies that are more prone for developing cardiovascular diseases. Further prospective cohort studies in larger population are required to predict maternal future cardiovascular risk in women with history of PIH. It can be prevented by lifestyle modifications and therapy in PIH. Women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy should therefore be monitored more closely for the future development of hypertension and the presence of other cardiac risk factors. Keywords: Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-C, VLDL-C. HDL-C, Atherogenic index (AI), PI