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Steven Tinkham was always proud of his active lifestyle. A born athlete, he grew up to find passion in biking and bodybuilding. But by the time he reached his 40s, an undiagnosed condition was beginning to take its toll—one joint at a time.

To combat rising maternal mortality, researchers at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute and UMKC are leading a first of its kind study to create better care for moms with heart conditions during pregnancy.

When Debbie O’Neal was diagnosed with heart failure at 75, she feared her life was ending. She was the same age that her mother had been when she died of heart disease.

The four-year observational study will research U.S. pregnant people with cardiovascular disease to better understand and combat maternal mortality and morbidity.

In the past, many women born with a heart condition were told they would not be able to birth children safely.