Women who develop high blood pressure after birth at greater risk of chronic hypertension

Blood pressure that remains elevated over of time—known as chronic hypertension—has been linked to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Recent research has shown that persistent high blood pressure may also increase the risk for stroke and overall mortality. Yet, only about 1 in 4 adults with chronic hypertension have their condition under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.