Heart-to-Heart Preeclampsia and Cardiovascular Disease

The article sheds light on the hidden dangers of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can lead to long-term cardiovascular issues. Dr. Momina Mastoor explains that this condition involves elevated blood pressure and can increase the risk of chronic hypertension after childbirth. Michelle Bartels recounts her personal journey with preeclampsia, detailing her experiences with emergency C-sections and the return of symptoms years later. The link between preeclampsia and heart disease is often overlooked, as many women assume they are in the clear after giving birth.

WellSpan has recognized this gap and established a postpartum follow-up program to enhance communication between obstetricians and cardiologists. This initiative aims to ensure that preeclampsia is documented in medical records for better long-term health outcomes. Stover's analogy of pregnancy as a "cardiac stress test" underscores the strain it places on a woman's body. Despite the challenges, Bartels affirms that with the right interventions, women can lead fulfilling lives post-preeclampsia.