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accessHealthNews.net
February 2022
Volume 8 | Issue No. 54
A
merican Heart Month, observed throughout
February, promotes heart health and
raises awareness about high blood pressure
as a leading risk factor for heart disease and
stroke.
Go Red for Women Day on February
4 is a campaign sponsored by the American
Heart Association dedicated to raising
awareness about how cardiovascular disease
disproportionately affects women. Heart disease
especially impacts new and expecting mothers
and is the
number one killer of new moms in the
U.S. Those most affected, and often least aware
of their risks, are Black women.
Due to a number of factors including
heart health, obstetric racism, and social
determinants of health, the maternal death
rate for Black women is higher than any other
race and three times that of white women.
While the American Heart Association offers
great resources to help women understand
their heart health risks and make healthy
lifestyle changes, the maternal mortality
rates for Black women cannot be solved by
individual actions alone. Improving these rates
for Black women, and thus all women, will also
require addressing systemic racism and bias in
health care at all levels.
MATERNAL MORTALITY IS PREVENTABLE
According to the American Heart Association,
cardiovascular conditions are the leading
cause of death during and immediately
following pregnancy. Nearly two-thirds of
these deaths could be prevented. To improve
wellness prior to pregnancy and lower the risks
of heart issues, doctors recommend:
• Finding a good provider who can assist with
pregnancy questions and concerns and
staying up to date on routine checkups.
• Knowing the risk factors for heart problems
or existing conditions that can increase the
likelihood of heart problems.
• Making healthy lifestyle choices such as
quitting smoking, managing stress, and
eating a nutritious diet.
• Managing medical conditions before
pregnancy, such as controlling high blood
pressure or losing weight if necessary.
During prenatal visits, women are encouraged
to ask about what to expect at each stage
of pregnancy, labor, and delivery, as well
as expectations for any upcoming tests or
appointments. This includes learning what the
purpose of each test is and what the results
mean. Typical testing includes checking for
signs of diabetes, infections, or any heart issues.
It's important to mention any family history of
major heart health diagnoses or complications.
Any changes or irregularities in heart functions
should also be reported as soon as they occur.
Though knowing the risks and warning signs of maternal health
complications and making healthy behavioral changes is important,
access to and quality of care can be the difference between life or death
for Black mothers.
