👶 Expectant Moms, Beware: The Rise of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy 👶

Recent findings reveal increased risk of heart issues for pregnant Latina women with high blood pressure. What is the cause of this complication, and how can you mitigate your chances?

Latinas at Risk for Heart Issues After Pregnancy-Related High Blood Pressure

Monica Cantu and her husband were overjoyed to learn they were expecting twins, a boy and a girl. The couple couldn’t wait to meet their little miracles. However, their joy quickly turned into concern when Cantu’s baby boy was found to be measuring small during a doctor’s appointment. Further tests revealed an issue with the baby’s umbilical cord, causing improper blood flow. Doctors warned Cantu to prepare for the worst, but she remained hopeful for the health of her twins.

Unfortunately, Cantu’s pregnancy took a turn for the worse when she experienced tingling and numbness in her face. Alarmed, she and her husband rushed to the hospital, where tests showed elevated liver enzymes and high blood pressure. Despite the fluctuations in her blood pressure, doctors decided to proceed with an emergency delivery at just 25 weeks into her pregnancy. Tragically, Cantu’s baby boy, Roman, passed away two days after birth. It was later determined that Cantu had suffered from severe preeclampsia, a dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage.

💔 A Rising Problem for Latinas 💔

High blood pressure during pregnancy is a growing concern, especially among Latinas. Research has shown that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, have more than doubled in the United States from 2007 to 2019. Shockingly, Latina/Hispanic women experienced the sharpest rise, with over 60 cases per 1,000 live births. In addition, recent findings have revealed a link between heart irregularities in older Hispanic women and high blood pressure they had years earlier during pregnancy.

This revelation is significant because it suggests that heart abnormalities resulting from hypertension during pregnancy can predict future cardiovascular issues, including heart failure and even death. A recent study conducted on Hispanic/Latina women with past pregnancies found changes in heart structure and function, increased heart wall thickness, and abnormal geometry in the heart’s left ventricle.

It’s disheartening to know that women who experience hypertension during pregnancy often face future heart problems. Approximately 20% of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy develop high blood pressure within six months after giving birth, with their lifetime risk of chronic hypertension increasing tenfold.

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🤔 What Causes this Dangerous Complication? 🤔

During Cantu’s pregnancy, her blood pressure would sometimes be high during prenatal visits but then drop. This fluctuation was dismissed as “white coat syndrome,” a term used to describe the rise in blood pressure caused by anxiety or nervousness at doctor visits. Additionally, other symptoms Cantu reported, such as extreme itching and headaches, were waved away as typical pregnancy signs.

At the time, Cantu was unaware of the seriousness of preeclampsia. None of her family members had experienced this complication before, further contributing to her lack of knowledge and awareness.

Recent studies have indicated that lack of awareness may be one reason why hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are rising faster among Latinas. Compared to other racial and ethnic groups, Hispanic adults in the U.S. have the lowest rates of hypertension awareness and treatment. Latinos are also less likely to have their hypertension under control.

Poor hypertension control among Latinas can be attributed to various complex factors, including lack of time for lifestyle modifications, financial constraints, language barriers when interacting with healthcare providers, limited access to healthcare services, culturally rich diets, and hesitancy to seek preventative care. Social determinants of health, which encompass environmental, social, economic, and interpersonal factors, largely influence these disparities.

🌟 How to Lower Your Risk 🌟

To lower your risk of developing hypertension during pregnancy and take proactive steps to control your blood pressure after delivery, experts recommend the following:

Adopt a heart-healthy diet ❤️

Eating a heart-healthy diet can greatly reduce your risk of hypertension. One option is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which emphasizes calcium, magnesium, and potassium-rich foods. The DASH plan also encourages consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Make exercise a priority 🏋️‍♀️

Incorporating regular exercise into your lifestyle is crucial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and managing blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

Monitor your blood pressure 🩸

If you have a history of hypertension during pregnancy, it’s essential to closely monitor your blood pressure after delivery. Owning a blood pressure cuff and regularly checking your pressure at home, at least monthly, can help you stay on top of any changes or abnormalities.

See your doctor regularly 👩‍⚕️

If you have a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, it’s important to visit your doctor at least once a year to assess your cardiovascular risk. Healthcare providers consider a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as a risk enhancer when evaluating your overall health.

⭐ Be Your Own Advocate ⭐

Monica Cantu’s tragic experience led her to become an advocate for other women facing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. After joining the non-profit organization, EndPreclampsia, which provides support to patients with HDP, Cantu made it a priority to educate herself about preeclampsia. Armed with knowledge, she felt more confident and empowered during her subsequent pregnancy.

Fortunately, Cantu’s second pregnancy did not involve preeclampsia. With regular blood pressure monitoring using a home blood pressure monitor, Cantu ensured her health was closely monitored. In late 2023, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl, who is now five months old. Today, her eldest daughter, Amelia, is a cheerful preschooler.

Cantu’s strongest piece of advice for fellow Latinas is to educate themselves about hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and to advocate for their needs during medical visits. Trusting your doctor is crucial, but it’s also important to question and seek further tests or information when needed. As Cantu wisely puts it, “Inform yourself as much as you can. Yes, you should trust your doctor, but it should not be a blind trust. Ask questions. Request tests if necessary. If something doesn’t feel right, advocate for yourself.”

Remember, your health and the health of your baby are of utmost importance. By staying informed and empowered, you can take control of your pregnancy journey and work towards a healthy, happy outcome.

🌐 Reference Links:

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• Women With Early Breast Cancer Can Safely Skip Radiation Rx, Study Finds

🙌 If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family on social media! Let’s spread awareness and help more expectant moms navigate a healthy and safe pregnancy journey. 🌟