HOPE Study Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one killer of pregnant women in America?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among pregnant women in the United States, accounting for 25% of all maternal deaths nationwide.
Read an article about pregnancy-related deaths from the CDC.
What is a registry and how will this help pregnant women with heart disease?
A registry is an organized system that uses observational study methods to collect real-world uniform data (clinical and other). A registry evaluates specified outcomes for a population defined by a particular disease, condition, or exposure.
The results of the registry will be used to establish pregnancy and heart disease protocols and management processes that will reduce risk factors for our patient population.
How do I know if I have heart disease or if I am at risk for adverse outcomes due to my pregnancy?
If you are unsure about whether you might have an increased chance of developing heart disease, use the list of potential factors below to see how many apply to your lifestyle.
- Family History
- Diabetes
- Diet
- Smoking
- Weight
- Exercise
- Stress
- Smoking
If you think you might be affected by one or more of the risk factors mentioned above, consult your doctor about preventative measures that could work well for you or if he/she thinks further testing is in order. Whenever possible, it is highly recommended that you consult with your physician prior to conception to help identify your specific risk factors for heart disease.
Are there currently any guidelines or references for women with heart disease during pregnancy that can guide management of the disease or help identify risks?
Is birth control safe for me if I have heart disease?
Consult with your physician about the type of contraception that is safe for you.
How do I enroll for the HOPE Study?
Patients are not allowed to enroll for the HOPE Study directly. If you are a patient who is interested, please speak with your cardiologist or OBGYN who can contact the HOPE Study cardiology team.
If you are a physician interested in having patients participate in the HOPE Study, please note one of the criteria is that you must have both OB/MFM and cardiology coordinators at your site. While we have no openings at this time, contact HOPEStudy@saintlukeskc.org or complete the form on our home page to receive information about future partner participation opportunities.
Return to the HOPE Study page.