Study: 60% Of New Mothers In 2019 Had Poor Heart Health

In Tuesday's Medical Minute, about 60 percent of US women who gave birth in 2019 had poor heart health before getting pregnant, with excess weight, hypertension and diabetes presenting the greatest concerns.

Researchers at Northeastern University said poor maternal heart health can lead to problems for their children including heart issues and early birth.

Heart issues also cause more than one in four pregnancy-related deaths, according to the American Heart Association.

Good maternal heart health was lower in the South and Midwest compared to the West and Northeast.