Your Heart Matters
Your health is our priority
During your check-up today, screening tests showed that you have a higher chance of having heart problems.
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Heart disease is the leading cause of death during pregnancy or after pregnancy in the United States.
Heart disease can be present before you are pregnant, develop during pregnancy, or it can happen after childbirth
WHAT FACTORS INCREASE MY RISK
- Using nicotine, cocaine, alcohol, or meth
- Having a history of chemotherapy
- Having had preeclampsia in any pregnancy (including current pregnancy)
- Having family members with heart disease less than 55 years old
- Age: 40 years old or older
- Black/African American race
- Obesity: BMI of 35 or more outside of pregnancy
- Diabetes outside of pregnancy
- High blood pressure
HOW SCREENING WORKS
Vital signs during your visit and risk factors (see above two slides)
Symptoms you shared during the visit
What your doctor found during your physical exam
You may have a higher chance (risk) of heart disease
WHAT AM I AT RISK FOR?
During pregnancy and after childbirth
Long-term risks after pregnancy
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure younger than 55 years old
- Stroke younger than 55 years old
- Diabetes
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Your doctors may order an ultrasound of your heart called an echocardiogram (echo)
Your doctors may refer you to a heart doctor and a high-risk pregnancy doctor
WHAT SHOULD I DO IN THE MEANTIME?
Be aware of concerning symptoms that may signal heart complications during and after pregnancy
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath with little or no activity
- Constant cough
- Bloody cough
- Severe swelling
- Fainting/Passing out
- Heart pounding
- Heart skipping a beat
- Feeling unusually tired
You Matter !
Questions?
Contact your provider
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