Background: We evaluate soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) levels and cardiac function during pregnancy and postpartum among Black women with and without preeclampsia. Study design: Prospective longitudinal cohort study from 2015 to 2017 of Black women with preterm severe preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant controls.We obtained echocardiograms and sFlt-1 levels during pregnancy and postpartum. Results: 93 Black women were included (43 cases, 50 controls). Higher sFlt1 levels were correlated with worse longitudinal strain, diastolic dysfunction, decreased ventricular-arterial coupling, and increased chamber and arterial elastance at the time of preeclampsia diagnosis and postpartum. Conclusions: Higher sFlt1 levels are associated with cardiovascular dysfunction during pregnancy and postpartum.
Keywords: Black women; cardiac function; echocardiogram; longitudinal strain; preeclampsia; soluble Flt.