A woman with preeclampsia or eclampsia is at increased risk for sudden death.
Sudden death may occur during the pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia or eclampsia. The risk is greatest for a person with severe preeclampsia, including HELLP, and eclampsia.
The sudden death is also in increased in women during the years following the affected pregnancy. Most deaths are due to cardiovascular disease, but the patient may also experience sudden death to neurological, respiratory, and infectious disease.
Red flags:
(1) severe preeclampsia or eclampsia in an older adult
(2) multiple other risk factors for cardiovascular or other diseases
(3) repeated episodes of preeclampsia or eclampsia in future pregnancies
(4) symptoms of cardiovascular disease in early adulthood
Preeclampsia or eclampsia should be included as a risk factor for future health events.
Stimulant drug abuse was not discussed but this also might be a risk factor for sudden death.
