CardioNerds (Amit Goyal), Dr. Natalie Stokes (Cardiology Fellow at UPMC and Co-Chair of the Cardionerds Cardio-Ob series), fellow lead Dr. Victoria Thomas (Cardionerds Ambassador, Vanderbilt University Medical Center), join Dr. Rachel Bond (Women's Heart Health Systems Director at Dignity Health, Arizona) for a cardio-obstetrics discussion about Black maternal health. Episode introduction by CardioNerds Clinical Trialist Dr. Chistabel Nyange. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy Intern, Christian Faaborg-Andersen.
This episode was developed in collaboration with the Association of Black Cardiologists. ABC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, in Black persons and other minority populations, and to achieve health equity for all through the elimination of disparities. Learn more at https://abcardio.org/.
Notes • References • Guest Profiles • Production Team
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Show notes
1. Why does Black Maternal Health need to be deliberately highlighted episode on CardioNerds?
Black women are three-four times more likely to die during their pregnancy. The deaths are primarily tied to cardiomyopathy and cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia.63-68% of this cardiovascular mortality is preventable depending on one’s racial identity. As CardioNerds, we must educate ourselves on why this occurs and identifying diseases that may place patients at increased risk.Studies have shown the Black maternal mortality crisis exist irrespective of one’s education or socioeconomic status.We must recognize and admit that some patients are being treated differently because of their race and ethnicity alone.
2. When we consider or acknowledge a patient’s race, what should CardioNerds think about?
Race is an important factor to think about, but we must remember that it is an imperfect variable. We should not focus on biology or genetic make-up. We should think about social determinants of health. 60% of the time social and personal aspects dictate one’s health.Unconscious biases and structural racism are likely playing a major role in race-based health inequities.
3. What are other vulnerable groups that have increased mortality rates related to cardioobstetric care?
Native American women have similar maternal mortality rates to Black populations.Women who are veterans, live in rural communities, and/or are currently incarcerated have increased risk of mortality
4. What are some of the social determinants of health that should be considered for these patients?
Food deserts or having poor access to nutrient rich/quality foods make these vulnerable patients have increased risk factors for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes which increase the risk for pregnancy complications and infertility.The above vulnerable populations can have less access to higher levels of care for high-risk pregnancies.
5. What are some of the preventable causes of maternal mortality?
Clinicians should actively listen to their patients' concerns. There have been several media stories in the news and on CardioNerds episodes where women’s concerns were not acknowledged or taken seriously.Preconception counseling is important to provide to all patients. 50% of women have one risk factor for cardiovascular disease when entering pregnancy. We should have discussions with patients regarding their lifestyles, with an emphasis on exercise and diet.
6. What are some of the psychosocial or health related differences we see in black mothers when compared to other...
