Cardiovascular Care
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in California. Over 80% of these deaths are preventable. Prioritizing maternal cardiovascular health not only protects mothers—it strengthens families and our communities.
WHY IT MATTERS
Despite being the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., heart disease remains an overlooked cause of pregnancy associated deaths. Cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease don’t just pose immediate pregnancy risks, they increase lifelong health concerns.
Improving Cardiovascular Health
In February 2025 during American Heart Month, the Office of the California Surgeon General convened leaders from healthcare, technology, and community organizations to drive new and innovative solutions. Discussions emphasized the need for culturally responsive care, improved coordination, and innovative tools to reduce preventable maternal deaths. This issue brief highlights key insights and opportunities for stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and implement scalable solutions that save lives.
Cardiovascular and Maternal Health
In this episode of Office Hours with Dr. Diana Ramos, an audio series where health meets real talk, explore the intersection of cardiovascular health and maternal health with Dr. Afshan Hameed, a board-certified cardiologist and obstetrician who specializes in maternal-fetal medicine and high-risk pregnancies.
Pregnancy-Related Heart Disease
Are you at risk for heart disease during or after pregnancy? Heart disease can have immediate pregnancy and postpartum risks and can cause life-long health concerns. The California Department of Public Health can help you understand your risk, symptoms, and conditions as well as what you should do and ways to manage your heart disease.
Women and Heart Disease
Even though heart disease tends to strike later in life, it can happen at any age. There are things about being a woman that can make you more prone to heart problems (for example, certain health problems during pregnancy, treatment of breast cancer, menopause and hormones). Learn about your risk for heart disease and what you can do to lower your chance of developing it. You can help protect your heart by adopting heart-healthy habits – for example, by exercising, eating right, getting enough rest, not smoking, and focusing on your health in general. Use this resource from the American College of Cardiology to learn more about coronary artery disease in women, keep up with the latest research and get tips for staying healthy.