Postpartum Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic

Postpartum Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic

Pregnancy complications, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, and poorly controlled gestational diabetes, increase the risk of developing future heart disease, such as heart failure, heart attack, or stroke. Close monitoring and preventative care in the postpartum and interpregnancy period can decrease the risk of long-term cardiovascular disease. The UCLA’s Obstetrics and Gynecology and UCLA Women’s Cardiovascular Center offer a multidisciplinary postpartum hypertension and cardiovascular risk reduction program to provide this care to new mothers who have experienced a significant pregnancy complication to optimize your cardiovascular health and improve future pregnancy outcomes.

Our team includes cardiologists and maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Together, we provide personalized care in the unique postpartum period and beyond.

Conditions treated

• Recently delivered a baby and your pregnancy was complicated by:
  • Gestational hypertension or preeclampsia
  • Fetal growth restriction
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Poorly controlled diabetes
  • Placental abruption
  • Preterm birth
• High blood pressure after delivery
• Pre-existing hypertension

Our Maternal-Fetal Medicine services include

• Remote at-home blood pressure monitoring to allow you to track and share your readings with the care team and perform virtual management of blood pressures
• Blood pressure medication management
• Cardiovascular risk assessments
• Preventative care with heart-healthy lifestyle guidance and support
• Preconception and inter-pregnancy counseling services to develop a plan for future pregnancies to keep you and your baby safe

If you require further evaluation of your heart, the UCLA Women’s Cardiovascular Center performs diagnostic tests, including electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and stress tests.

How patients are referred to this clinic

• Self-referral
• High-risk patients referred from PCP or primary OB provider after postpartum visit

• Call 310-794-7274 to connect with our high-risk pregnancy experts

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Research

• Risk factors for emergency department visits and readmissions for postpartum hypertension
• Hypertension management in women with a multidisciplinary approach
• Randomized control trial of postpartum visits at 2 and 6 weeks
• Remote blood pressure management for postpartum hypertension: a cost-effectiveness analysis
• Hypertensive complications of pregnancy: Hepatic consequences of preeclampsia through HELLP syndrome
• Standardized clinical assessment and management plan to reduce readmissions for postpartum hypertension