Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women in the United States—and the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, responsible for nearly 1 in 3 maternal deaths. Approximately 26.5% of pregnancy-related deaths are linked to cardiovascular problems. Black women are at particularly high risk, experiencing maternal death rates from heart-related causes at three times the rate of white or Hispanic women.
CVD in pregnancy can be a pre-existing condition or develop as a complication of pregnancy. Hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, stillbirth, recurrent miscarriage, and preterm birth all significantly raise a woman’s risk of heart disease and stroke later in life—sometimes increasing the risk two to four times. These conditions highlight the urgent need for early identification and long-term cardiovascular care.
The elevateHER Heartwise Program focuses on identifying women at risk for cardiovascular disease and providing them with lifelong support. Each participant is provided with a blood pressure monitor and education on how to track their cardiovascular health. The program emphasizes early detection, prevention, and ongoing management of risk factors.
To ensure continuity of care, Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Center has partnered with the award-winning Department of Cardiology. Through this collaboration, women receive postpartum follow-up care at 12 weeks and could engage in group sessions with cardiology specialists, ensuring that women not only survive pregnancy but also thrive in the years that follow.
