Introduction:

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, especially preeclampsia, are a local and international public health problem, due to the increase in risk factors in women of childbearing age.

Objective:

To evaluate the relevance of hypertensive disorders and their study by obstetricians and first-level medical professionals in Ecuador.

Method:

A review of updated scientific articles was carried out in different databases where the generalities of their classification, pathophysiology, prediction of preeclampsia, prevention of hypertensive disorders, treatments of these disorders, treatment of hypertensive crisis or emergency, eclampsia, were addressed and expectant management of severe preeclampsia.

Results:

It is hypothesized that hypertension and preeclampsia may first arise postpartum, and postpartum hypertension accounts for up to 25% of all hypertensive disorders. Severe hypertension is associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality, including an increased risk of cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, urgent antihypertensive therapy is recommended to reduce blood pressure.

Final considerations:

It is extremely important to perform risk screening on all pregnant patients, along with a detailed cardiovascular evaluation to detect the presence of risk factors or cardiometabolic conditions that favor the appearance of hypertensive diseases during pregnancy.

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