PATHO maternal mortality

black women are

3-4x more likely to die from pregnancy related causes

black women more likely to die because

chronic stress and inequity which create changes in the body this leads to worse issues such as high BP, bleeding and heart failure

hypertension is the

starting point of many complications

black women are at particular risk of developing hypertension due to

chronic stress (raises cortisol and damages blood vessels)

caused by higher levels of cortisol which causes

vasoconstriction

preeclampsia

persisten high BP during pregnancy or the post partum period issues with placenta and stroke

treatments for high BP

lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, weight and managing stress, BP meds can be used but need frequent monitoring

hemorrhage

known as severe bleeding is another major cause of maternal death

symptoms of hemmorahge

heavy bleeding, dizziness, and a rapid heart rate

most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage is

uterine atony (uterus fails to contract after child birth)

other causes of hemorrhage

include damged vessels from hypertension, and abnormal placental attachment

hemorrhage treatments include

IV fluids, blood transfusions and surgery

biggest danger = delay

cardiomyopathy

is a chronic disease of the heart muscle which makes your heart unabe to effectively pump blood to the rest of the body

mothers can develop cardio myopathy in

late pregnancy or postpartum

cardiomyopathy heart effects

stiffen, enlarge, or thicken and can cause scar tissue

cariomyopathy symptoms

shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling, extreme fatigue

cardio myopathy is incurable but treatments include

diet changes, exercise, getting enough sleeep, medications to improve blood flow, and a heart transplant

cardiomyopathy dangerous because early symptoms are

dismissed as normal pregnancy symptoms

without early diagnosis for cardiomyopathy it can progress to

heart failure

external stressors

racism, economic stress, environmental stress, healthcare inequity

racism

Chronic stress, more cortisol, increased inflammation and BP

economic stress

untreated conditions, missed appointments due to affordability no insurance

envoirmental stress

urban areas, noise, polutants, stress envoirment limited access to care

healthcare inequity

symptoms often overlooked or dismissed, slower emergecy response, delayed treatment