Mercy OB/GYN Dr. Robert Atlas Discusses Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Pregnancy

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of death among pregnant women and women who have recently had a baby.

Raenell White, 34, is due with her second child, a girl, at the end of August. She found out she was pregnant in December.

"We found out right then and there that my blood pressure was high and that I needed to start some type of regimen, but we also took precautions because I had a previous diagnosis of hypertension with my last son," White said.

Hypertension or high blood pressure can lead to several health issues and increase the risk of heart disease. It is something pregnant women need to be especially mindful of.

"The key is getting into care early, having, if there is the development of hypertension, have that treated early, said Robert O. Atlas, M.D., FACOG, Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Medical Center.

Even before a woman becomes pregnant, it’s important to have an evaluation.

"I think the first thing to figure out is what’s in your family?" Dr. Atlas said.

White said she has a family history of hypertension and diabetes. But she had some early symptoms.

"My feet were swelling, my hands were swelling, excessive overheating and underheating at a very early stage," White said.

"If you can’t walk a city block, or if you can’t go up a flight of stairs without stopping in between, to me, that’s where an evaluation needs to occur," Dr. Atlas said.

White says she is taking aspirin but other than that she’s just focusing on a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and staying active while waiting for her baby girl to make her arrival.

To view Mercy Ob/Gyn Dr. Robert Atlas’ interview regarding cardiovascular disease and pregnancy, click here.