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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.

Health Central sat down with cardiologist Tracy Stevens, MD, the medical director of Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center, to discuss warning signs of hypertension and when it's time to see a doctor.

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.