Brachial artery stiffening in healthy primigravidas is associated with weight gain and increased cardiac output.

OBJECTIVE: To assess brachial artery distensibility and associated factors in healthy primigravidas.

METHODS: We assessed brachial artery distensibility using the DynaPulse 5,000A in 37 women each trimester, and 6-8 weeks and 1-5 years postpartum. Associations with physical and cardiometabolic measures were considered.

RESULTS: Mean (SE) brachial artery distensibility (%Δ/mmHg) decreased (stiffened) from 7.50 (0.20) 12-14 weeks to 6.93 (0.22) 36-38 weeks (p < .01) and returned to baseline 7.52 (0.44) at 2.7 years postpartum. Weight gain and greater cardiac output were significantly related to greater stiffness.

CONCLUSION: Increased weight and cardiac output of pregnancy were associated with brachial artery stiffening.