Effectiveness of a postpartum vascular risk reduction clinic on behavioral change and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in women who had preeclampsia: a case-control study

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of our vascular risk reduction clinic for women who had preeclampsia, in improving patients’ cardiovascular outcomes, self-reported healthy behaviors, and knowledge about their long-term cardiovascular health. Retrospective case-control study where 470 surveys were mailed: half were patients seen in Postpartum Preeclampsia Clinic 2010–2019, and controls were patients who did not attend a scheduled clinic appointment or were seen in Obstetric Medicine clinic postpartum for preeclampsia. Primary outcome was a lack of postpartum weight gain. Secondary outcomes included new vascular diseases, smoking, exercise, and physician follow-up. Ninety-four (43.3%) of clinic attendees returned survey and 30.3% of controls. Fewer clinic attendees gained weight postpartum, and attendees had fewer hypertension and followed up more with family physicians. Most attendees found the clinic helpful. Postpartum Preeclampsia Clinic was effective in affecting some vascular outcomes and in improving knowledge and follow-up behaviors.