Universal Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment in Pregnancy

Abstract

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) being one of the leading causes of maternal deaths. Diagnosing CVD during pregnancy may be challenging as symptoms of normal pregnancy overlap with those of CVD. Delays in recognition and response to the diagnosis of CVD is a missed opportunity for timely intervention to improve maternal outcomes. Implementing universal CVD risk assessment for all pregnant and postpartum patients across clinical care settings presents a pivotal opportunity to address this issue. Integrating a validated risk assessment tool into routine obstetric care, clinicians, including obstetricians, primary care, and emergency healthcare providers, can enhance awareness of cardiovascular risk and facilitate early CVD diagnosis. Consensus among stakeholders underscores the importance of screening and education on cardiovascular health strategies for pregnant and postpartum patients to reduce CVD-related maternal mortality. This comprehensive approach offers a pathway to identify at-risk individuals and intervene promptly, potentially saving lives and advancing maternal healthcare equity.

Keywords

• cardio-obstetrics
• cardiovascular disease
• high-risk pregnancy
• pregnancy
• universal CVD risk assessment