Which type of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy is characterized by a patient with a long history of high blood pressure and normal initial lab work?

Chronic hypertension is characterized by the presence of high blood pressure that precedes pregnancy or is diagnosed before the 20th week of gestation. This condition is marked by a patient’s long-standing history of hypertension, which distinguishes it from other hypertensive disorders that may arise during pregnancy. Normal initial lab work further supports that the hypertension is pre-existing rather than a complication related to pregnancy.

In cases of chronic hypertension, there may be no signs of renal or hepatic dysfunction, and the patient does not display the other systemic manifestations typically associated with disorders that develop as a consequence of pregnancy. This clear differentiation is essential for appropriate management and monitoring, as chronic hypertension requires distinct considerations compared to conditions like preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, which often involve additional complications or changes in laboratory results during pregnancy.