Toxemia Symptoms in Menopause

[expert@preeclampsia.org]

Hello,

I have been trying, with no success, to find some information on studies of women and their babies years after having toxemia. I realize that toxemia and preeclampsia are only present during the pregancy, but I've been told by my family doctor and my ob/gyn that the symptoms of these diseases can be genetic markers for future blood preasure, edema and kidney problems.

I am now 51 and have been dealing with pre-menopause for six or seven years. The only time in my life that I had high blood pressure was when I had toxemia 32 years ago. I am now on the strongest dose of Diovan on the market, along with a beta blocker, thyroid pills, and two different fluid medications! Every one of these symptoms appeared during pre-menopause and are evidently in some way related to the fact that I had toxemia. My son (the baby from that pregancy) also has a list of similar health issues, that just developed in his adult life.

Any guidence on this genetic marker theory, as well as any links to studies of the long-term effects would be appreciated.

[expert@preeclampsia.org]

Please see: http://www.preeclampsia.org/PositionStmt_lateEffects_Oct06.pdf

Women genetically destined to have elements of metabolic and cardiovascular disease have a higher incidence of preeclampsia and thus segrate in higher numbers into the general preeclampsia population. Said otherwise, these diseases would have manifested anyway, and preeclampsia is but a risk marker. There is some small evidence suggesting preeclampsia may hasten its presentation, or even contribute, but evidence is very weak.