LI Hospital Launches Program Addressing Maternal Heart Disease

WEST ISLIP, NY — A Long Island hospital is taking maternal health issues to heart.

Catholic Health's Good Samaritan Hospital announced on Tuesday the launch of its "Women's Heart Wellness Program", to help prevent and combat cardiovascular disease in pregnant and postpartum women.

According to Catholic Health, the disease is the leading cause of death in pregnant and postpartum women in the United States.

“It’s vital to address cardiac risks that put a woman’s health in jeopardy during pregnancy,” said Dr. Uschi Auguste, cardiologist at St. Francis Heart Center. “To improve outcomes before and after pregnancy, women with known cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia need access to specialized care.”

Based at South Bay Cardiovascular in West Islip, the program will create an individualized plan for each patient. This tailored treatment may involve medication changes, weight loss management, exercise plans, nutrition counseling and specialized care for labor and delivery.

Patients will also work with a nurse navigator, who will coordinate with their cardiovascular and women’s health providers to offer an "optimal level" of care.

“This is an important program that will help to save so many lives,” said Dr. John Vullo, Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Good Samaritan Hospital. “In addition to receiving the best perinatal care available, our patients will now have direct access to the exceptional cardiac \ care available through the St. Francis Heart Center.”

To learn the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and see if you fit the criteria for the Women’s Heart Wellness Program, click here.