FLT1 and endothelial dysfunction: Furthermore, given that the ratio of serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 to placental growth factor has recently been validated as a biochemical predictor of pre-eclampsia,26 it too can be evaluated as a marker of persistent endothelial dysfunction and risk of cardiovascular disease after pregnancy.27, 28 Regardless, we need better data about whether prenatal biochemical screening offers additive information over that provided by conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors and adverse events in pregnancy,4, 5, 6, 7, 8 such as the maternal placental syndromes or preterm delivery.