Annual well woman exams, traditionally performed by an OB/GYN, provide a “golden opportunity” for women to get their heart health evaluated, according to a new joint advisory issued by the head officials of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Approximately 90 percent of women have at least one risk factor for developing heart disease. Patients partnering with an OB/GYN can help identify heart-related health problems. Modification of risk factors for heart disease and stroke can be a critical element in improving women’s health.
“A majority of women consider their OB/GYN to be their primary care physician, particularly women during their childbearing years, and we know that many of the life-span milestones for women impart unique effects on cardiovascular health, particularly pregnancy and menopause,” wrote Haywood L. Brown, MD, president of the ACOG, and John J. Warner, MD, president of the AHA.
Traditional heart disease risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity can affect women differently than men. OB/GYNs, the advisory noted, are “uniquely qualified” to identify and treat female-specific conditions that could potentially raise a woman’s risk of heart disease or stroke.
“As the leading healthcare providers for women, OB/GYNs ... are in a unique position to screen, counsel and educate patients on heart health. By acknowledging and discussing the risks and communicating steps women can take to reduce their odds of developing heart disease. OB-GYNs have a powerful opportunity to be the secret weapon in the fight against heart disease,” Brown said in an issued statement.
Additionally, complications stemming from pregnancy—including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, pre-term delivery and low gestational age birth weight—indicate a subsequent risk in a mother’s future cardiac health. Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension can increase the risk of hypertension by three to six times and can also increase subsequent heart disease by two times.
The advisory provided recommendations on how cardiologists and OB/GYNs can collaborate by advising patients about heart-healthy habits, such as eating correctly and physical activity. The advisory also mentioned high-tech solutions including utilizing software algorithms that analyze data contained in EMRs, which can help with patient education and referrals.
As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.