Leveraging the postpartum period to reduce racial disparities in postpartum hypertension care

Malamo E Countouris; Jared W Magnani

doi:10.1016/j.ahjo.2024.100490

Leveraging the postpartum period to reduce racial disparities in postpartum hypertension care

Am Heart J Plus. 2024 Dec 7:49:100490. doi: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2024.100490. eCollection 2025 Jan.

Authors

Malamo E Countouris¹, Jared W Magnani^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
² University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
³ Center for Research on Health Care, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Abstract

Pregnancy provides a window of opportunity for management of hypertension care. Particularly in the postpartum period - the so-called "4th trimester" - individuals of Black race are at increased risk for hypertension-related morbidity and mortality. Telehealth interventions, such as remote blood pressure monitoring programs and virtual postpartum visits, can reduce racial disparities in the delivery of recommended care. System and policy changes can address social factors that impact postpartum care as well. Cardiovascular clinicians have a key role to play in managing hypertension and addressing cardiovascular disease prevention strategies during reproductive years.