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Background: A history of pre-eclampsia has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of subsequent coronary artery disease. The intima-media thickness of carotid arteries and the detection of plaques are useful measures as regards preclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to examine whether women with a history of pre-eclampsia more often show signs of atherosclerosis compared with 2 control groups. Methods: We used data from a large Finnish cross-sectional health examination survey. We had women with previous pre-eclampsia (n = 35) or pregnancy-induced hypertension (n = 61) and 2 control groups. Laboratory tests and physical examination were performed. Information on reproductive and medical history was obtained at the home interview. Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by ultrasonography. Results: The women with previous pre-eclampsia had significantly (p = 0.008) more atherosclerotic plaques than the healthy parous controls. The intima-media thickness in the women with previous pre-eclampsia also tended to be higher than in the other groups, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. In logistic regression analysis, advanced age (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04–1.13; p < 0.001) and pre-eclampsia (OR: 3.63; 95% CI: 1.50–8.79; p = 0.004) were independent risk factors as regards plaque, and in linear regression analysis advanced age (estimate: 0.012; 95% CI: 0.010–0.014; p < 0.001), HDL cholesterol (estimate: –0.049; 95% CI: –0.088 to –0.010; p = 0.013), systolic blood pressure, BMI (estimate: 0.005; 95% CI: 0.000–0.009; p = 0.043) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (estimate: –0.003; 95% CI: –0.007 to –0.000; p = 0.048) were independent risk factors with respect to intima-media thickness. Conclusions: Our data suggest that pre-eclampsia is an independent risk factor as regards developing plaque later in life.

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