This research is being done to determine if Primary Hyperaldosteronism (PA) is a pre-pregnancy risk factor for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP). HDP which includes preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational hypertension and chronic hypertension complicating pregnancy occur in about 10% of pregnancies and can cause a lifetime risk of developing chronic hypertension and heart disease. This study will look to see if excessive aldosterone hormone levels might be a risk factor for that. Aldosterone is a hormone naturally made in the body that helps keep the water and salt ratios in the body balanced. Excessive aldosterone hormone levels, or PA is a well-recognized cause of hypertension.
Patients may be enrolled into the study or control group. Study group patients will have had a previous diagnosis of HDP in a pregnancy no earlier than January 1, 2018. Control group patients do not have any previous HDP diagnoses. Both groups will provide a one time blood draw, providing approximately 1 tablespoon of blood to be tested as well as one urine sample.
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