Insights into the Intersection of Cardiovascular Disease and Maternal Morbidity and Mortality

Webinars & Videos

Published 9/26/24

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States, as it is a major risk factor for severe maternal morbidity (SMM). SMM affects approximately 60,000 women in the United States annually, and rates have been increasing with the changing demographics of the maternal population, and significantly affecting racial and ethnic disparities among pregnant populations. Patients with CVD plus pre-existing chronic health conditions are at an increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. Thus, prompt diagnosis and treatment of CVD are imperative to reducing the potential adverse pregnancy outcomes. Preconception screening and counseling, as well as continued monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum can help recognize and mitigate cardiovascular-related maternal morbidity and mortality.

SWHR hosted a fireside chat to discuss the risks and impact of CVD on maternal morbidity and mortality and highlight the importance of screenings and follow-up care that address personalized needs of pregnant patients to improve overall health for all women.

View the original event page here: Insights into the Intersection of Cardiovascular Disease and Maternal Morbidity and Mortality.

Goals

  • Provide an overview of the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and maternal morbidity and mortality
  • Examine the impact of SMM on lifetime CVD risk
  • Increase awareness about disparities, screening, and prevention of CVD in pregnancy and post-partum

Speakers

Cornelia R. Graves, MD, FACOG

Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists of Tennessee

Cornelia R. Graves, MD, FACOG

Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists of Tennessee

Dr. Graves is a graduate of Baylor University, where she received honors. Dr. Graves received her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and was a recipient of the Purdue Fredrick Award for Excellence in Women’s Healthcare. She completed her internship and residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She completed her maternal-fetal fellowship at Vanderbilt University. During her fellowship, Dr. Graves received special training in obstetrical critical care and became the director of one of the first critical care obstetrical units in the nation. She is currently the medical director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists of Tennessee and the medical director for perinatal services at St Thomas Health Systems. She is also a professor at the University of Tennessee and serves as a clinical professor for Vanderbilt University and adjunct professor Meharry Medical College.

Considered an international expert in the management of maternal disease, Dr. Graves is extensively published and has received numerous teaching, research, professional and community awards. She has been actively involved in research and has served as an investigator on studies involving asthma, HIV, diabetes and drug addiction during pregnancy. She is an immediate past member of the board of directors of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

In 2016, Dr. Graves, along with Dr. Stacy Davis, a cardiologist, started the Collaborative Perinatal Cardiac Center, a joint venture between Tennessee Maternal Fetal Medicine and St. Thomas Health, which is one of the first in the nation to address maternal heart care from the preconception period through postpartum care with a focus of long-term prevention.
She has been instrumental in the formation of a Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) for the State of Tennessee and currently serves as a member of the review committee and a member of the CDC committee on bias in maternal mortality. She is currently the co-chair of the ACOG/CDC committee on racism and bias in MMRC, as well as a member of the SMFM committee on cardio-obstetrics. She also serves as the project leader and advisor for the maternal section of TIPQC. Dr. Graves was chosen as Nashville Business Journal’s Best Doctors of 2024.

In her spare time, Dr. Graves serves as a keyboardist and choir director for her church and works with the youth ministry.

Sponsor

Support for this educational program has been provided by Amgen. SWHR maintains independence and editorial control over program development, content, and work products.