Heart disease and pregnancy: Prevention, treatments and a new approach

<p>Pregnancy is like a stress test on the body. Most women adapt just fine, but for some, the strain can dramatically raise the risk of heart disease — even in young women. Worse, that risk can remain elevated for years and even decades. On this episode, host Sandra Lindsay, DHS-c, RN, speaks with <a href='https://www.northwell.edu/find-care/find-a-doctor/cardiology/dr-evelina-grayver-md-11359984'>Evelina Grayver, MD</a>, about how to prevent heart-related problems before, during and after pregnancy. Because heart disease continues to be the No. 1 cause of maternal mortality in the US, Dr. Grayver helped launch a cutting-edge <a href='https://www.northwell.edu/cardiovascular-thoracic-services/cardiology/high-risk-cardiovascular-obstetric-program'>Cardio-Obstetrics Program</a> at Northwell Health to help detect and prevent heart issues for expectant moms.</p> <p>The specialty is relatively new, so education for patients and clinicians is critical, says Dr. Grayver, who serves as director of Northwell's Women’s Heart Program for the Central Region; and is a member of the Katz Institute for Women's Health.</p> <p>In this episode, she discusses the need for:</p> <ul><li>Pre-conception counseling with a cardiologist and OB/GYN</li> <li>Understanding your risks before, during and after pregnancy</li> <li>Learning the difference between common signs and symptoms of pregnancy and adverse cardiac events like preeclampsia</li> <li>Diet and exercise during pregnancy</li> </ul>