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Faculty have requested this content not be shared on social media
CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
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Poster Session 4

(1123) Survey of individuals with HDP on cardiovascular disease risk awareness and prevention perspectives

Friday, January 31, 2025
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM  
Objective: To survey individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on their knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and their views on prevention and treatment.

Study Design: A 22-question prospective survey on postpartum HDP management preferences and future cardiovascular risk was administered to postpartum individuals with HDP (gestational hypertension or preeclampsia) during postpartum days 1-4 before hospital discharge. The survey was validated through six cognitive interviews with HDP individuals.

Results: Of 185 individuals with HDP that were approached, 158 (85.4%) completed the survey with their characteristics described in Table 1. Regarding short-term risks, 57% thought that the risk of developing severe-range blood pressures (BPs) is the highest during labor admission with 29% estimating the risk to be highest during the first week postpartum. Many individuals were aware of the risk of stroke, severe hypertension, kidney problems, and other CVD during the first 6 weeks postpartum. When asked about treatment for high BPs in the first 6 weeks after delivery, 29% prefer to start with daily exercise, 52% prefer to start with eating healthier with limited salt intake, and only 19% prefer to start with an antihypertensive medication. If exercise and diet were unsuccessful, 61% stated they will consider medications. Table 2 describes participants’ perspectives on facilitators and barriers to starting antihypertensive medications postpartum. 92% reported that doing physical activity regularly and eating healthy may prevent hypertension. 74% thought that eating healthy and engaging in physical activity are easy to do after delivery, and 72% were planning to pursue these activities to lower the risk of hypertension. When asked about future risk of CVD, 40% reported they are well or very well informed on future risk of CVD; however, 74% underestimated the future risk to be ≤10%.

Conclusion: Most individuals with HDP recognized short-term risks and preferred lifestyle changes over medication initially. However, despite 40% feeling well-informed, many underestimated their long-term CVD risk.