Understanding Preeclampsia: Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Histopathological Insights and Molecular Biomarkers

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE) is not merely a pregnancy complication but a clinical manifestation of underlying vascular dysfunction with long-term health implications. It is diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation as new-onset hypertension with proteinuria or organ involvement. The condition arises from impaired placental development, particularly defective spiral artery remodeling, which leads to placental ischemia and the release of antiangiogenic factors such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sEng). These circulating factors contribute to systemic endothelial dysfunction, resulting in hypertension, inflammation, and multiorgan stress. Histopathological findings, including acute atherosis and abnormal vascular remodeling, further reflect the cardiovascular damage underlying PE. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on the vascular and histological mechanisms of PE, highlighting novel biomarkers such as microRNAs and neprilysin, and the potential of advanced diagnostic tools, including machine learning. Importantly, PE is now recognized not only as an obstetric disorder but also as an early marker of future cardiovascular disease. This paradigm shift emphasizes the need for personalized prevention strategies, close surveillance of high-risk women, and long-term cardiovascular follow-up. Pregnancy thus represents a critical window for early detection and intervention in women's cardiovascular health.

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