Assessing cardiovascular health after preeclampsia

Identification of Early HFpEF After Preeclampsia by Exercise Stress Testing

Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT06741436

This study looks at the heart health of women who had preeclampsia during pregnancy to see if it affects their cardiovascular risks later on.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT06741436 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the cardiovascular health of women who have experienced preeclampsia during pregnancy. Participants will be identified through electronic health records and will include both women diagnosed with preeclampsia and a control group without the condition. The study will focus on understanding the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with preeclampsia, particularly in relation to endothelial dysfunction and heart health. Recruitment will occur during the third trimester and at the time of labor and delivery, with a target enrollment of 250 cases and 250 controls.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women over 18 years old who have given birth at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and have been diagnosed with preeclampsia.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18, unable to provide informed consent, or have significant pre-existing cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of cardiovascular risks in women post-preeclampsia.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on cardiovascular health post-preeclampsia are emerging, this specific approach focusing on endothelial dysfunction and long-term outcomes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Women age \> 18 years
2. Give birth at VUMC
3. Have a diagnosis of PreE based on accepted American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age \<18 years old
2. Unable to provide informed consent
3. Does not speak English
4. Active COVID-19 infection
5. Residual symptoms related to prior COVID-19 infection
6. HIV infection
7. Hepatitis B or C infection
8. Pulmonary arterial hypertension
9. Sickle cell disease
10. Pulmonary embolism
11. Pre-existing cardiomyopathy
12. Coronary artery disease
13. Active substance abuse (other than tobacco or marijuana)
14. Unable to attend postpartum visits

Controls

1\. Enrolling controls who meet the same inclusion/exclusion criteria, except they do not have preeclampsia and do not have pre-existing diabetes or chronic hypertension.

Where this trial is running

Nashville, Tennessee

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Preeclampsia, Heart Failure Preserved Ejection Fraction, Hypertension, CPET, Placental vascular dysfunction, echo

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.