Cardio-Obstetrics at AHN: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Lower Maternal Mortality

Maternal mortality in the U.S. continues to rise, with cardiovascular disease recognized as a leading cause. The American College of Cardiology reports that the rate more than doubled between 1999 to 2022, driven in part by hypertensive disorders such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia.*

To address this growing clinical need, AHN created the Cardio-Obstetrics Program at AHN West Penn Hospital, integrating cardiology, obstetrics, and maternal-fetal medicine in a coordinated model of care. The program supports women with cardiovascular risk factors through every stage of pregnancy and the postpartum period, when cardiovascular strain is greatest.

“Our goal is to strengthen the partnership between obstetricians and maternal-fetal specialists,” said Dr. Devon Ramaeker, division director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at AHN Women’s Institute. “When a patient’s symptoms deviate from what’s expected in pregnancy, early evaluation and referral allow us to act quickly, helping protect the health of both mom and baby.”

When normal becomes concerning

Obstetricians and primary care providers play a critical role in recognizing early warning signs, especially because pregnancy’s physiologic changes can unmask silent heart disease or trigger new — sometimes chronic — conditions.

While some symptoms are typical for pregnancy, providers should be alert if a patient presents the following:

• Progressive dyspnea, particularly if daily activities become more difficult
• Chest pain, persistent palpitations, or new arrhythmias
• General or facial edema with rapid weight gain
• Oliguria
• Neurologic symptoms, such as headaches or vision changes that may signal severe hypertension.

Knowing the risks and acting early

Patients benefit when their personal and family histories of cardiovascular disease, obesity, hypertension, or other conditions are identified and shared early. Ideally, this awareness begins before conception. However, bringing these risk factors to a physician’s attention at any point during pregnancy allows for earlier intervention, development of tailored care plans, and closer monitoring.

Key risk factors include elevated BMI or obesity, preexisting hypertension or cardiovascular disease, smoking and substance use, socioeconomic disparities, particularly limited or no access to health care, and race, with African American women shown to be at higher risk for pregnancy-related complications across the U.S.

For patients with these risk factors, early referral to AHN’s Cardio-Obstetrics team supports timely intervention and improved outcomes.

How to refer

To refer your patient to AHN’s Cardio-Obstetrics Program, call 844-MD-REFER or submit an online referral.