- Kristi Powers
Choose the health content that’s right for you, and get it delivered right in your inbox.

Nearly one in three pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are due to cardiovascular problems, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Pregnancy can also put stress on the mother’s heart and forecast potential health risks in the future.
To address these issues, expectant moms can now participate in an AdventHealth pilot program called the Mother’s Heartwise program, which can prevent current and future heart issues at an earlier age through education and early intervention.

“Pregnancy can bring to light cardiovascular issues like hypertension (high blood pressure) and even diabetes,” Dr. Patricia Guerrero, medical director for cardiovascular wellness and prevention at the AdventHealth Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute and one of the main designers of the pilot program, recently told WESH 2 News. “They foretell a risk of cardiovascular disease at an earlier age. This (program) is an opportunity to intervene through lifestyle modifications or medications to decrease that risk.”
If mothers don’t get in right away to see a doctor, the narrow window to catch these complications goes away – and the opportunity may be lost, especially with underinsured patients.
“Oftentimes, their access to medical care is only during pregnancy and immediately post pregnancy,” Guerrero told Florida Trend magazine.
Add to that, the younger generations’ misconception that they are safe from things like heart disease and heart attacks, and the challenge the program is trying to address is apparent.
The goal is help them understand that “small changes right now can truly have a strong impact on your future,” Doreen Forsythe, senior nurse manager for AdventHealth’s Women and Children Health Navigation program, told Florda Trend magazine.
Learn more about the risk factors that can be uncovered during pregnancy and for more information about the Mother’s Heartwise program contact the women’s health navigator at Call407-720-5191.
Recent News
Every year, the American Heart Association recognizes programs that perform exceptionally in the area of stroke. We are proud to announce AdventHealth Avista, AdventHealth Littleton, AdventHealth...
Following AdventHealth’s mission to help team members, guests and patients Feel Whole, AdventHealth Castle Rock officially opened the Pittman Pathway Wellness Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Dr. Matthew Villani, a foot and ankle surgeon with AdventHealth Medical Group located at AdventHealth Waterman, addresses foot and ankle injuries.
AdventHealth Millenia ER is celebrating its first anniversary of providing lifesaving, whole-person care to residents and visitors in West Orlando.
Anesthesia Associates of Kansas City becomes a strategic partner for the rapidly growing hospital in south Overland Park.
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale now offers life-saving stroke care with a new minimally invasive procedure, improving survival rates and quality of life.
The hospital’s three-story expansion will be completed in summer 2026.
AdventHealth Zephyrhills is leading the way in Pasco County with a new treatment for clostridioides difficile or C. diff.
AdventHealth is proud to introduce you to Frannette Miller, BSN, RN, winner of our DAISY Award for the ray of light she shines on the lives of her patients every day in the Behavioral Health Unit at...
Dr. Jason Jennings, orthopedic surgeon with AdventHealth Medical Group Colorado Joint Replacement at Porter, was selected to present his research findings at the 3rd International Consensus Meeting on...
When it comes to back health, how you sleep matters just as much as how you move during the day. According to Dr. Sharad Rajpal, a neurosurgeon at AdventHealth Avista, your nighttime habits can either...
Personal experiences and the desire to give back inspired AdventHealth Avista ICU Manager Megan May to pursue a career in nursing. Her journey began in the very halls of Avista, where as a child she...