Protecting hearts and pregnancies. Protecting hearts and pregnancies.
New heart disease in pregnancy is becoming more common. New research network led by Dr. Rohan D’Souza will monitor and prevent cardiovascular events during and after pregnancy.
New heart disease in pregnancy is becoming more common. New research network led by Dr. Rohan D’Souza will monitor and prevent cardiovascular events during and after pregnancy.
Cardiovascular complications during and after pregnancy are a serious concern, impacting individuals across Ontario and beyond. Dr. Rohan D’Souza, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at McMaster University, is spearheading efforts to improve outcomes for pregnant individuals facing these risks
The stresses of pregnancy on the heart
“Many people, with and without pre-existing heart conditions, experience significant cardiovascular events like heart failure or arrhythmias during pregnancy, labor, or postpartum,” explains Dr. D’Souza. “Often, delays in diagnosis and access to timely care contribute to these events.”
Dr. D’Souza highlights the physiological changes of pregnancy, stating, “Pregnancy is a time of great change, especially for the heart. Blood volume increases by 40%, resistance to blood flow decreases by 30%, and the heart rate increases by 10-20%. While most pregnant women cope with these changes, some do not, and not all healthcare providers receive specialized training required to recognize and treat serious cardiovascular events in pregnancy.”
A collaborative approach to change
Dr. D’Souza is leading the Canadian Network of Networks to Reduce Cardiovascular Mortality and Morbidity in Pregnancy (CaNCaM-Preg), supported by significant funding from Heart & Stroke, Brain Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Gender and Health. While national in scope, the network's work has direct implications for improving care within Ontario's healthcare system.
As part of CaNCaM-Preg's first program, a network of all 289 Canadian hospitals providing pregnancy care, including those throughout Ontario, will be established through the Canadian Obstetric Survey System (CanOSS). This system will enable hospitals to systematically review cases of severe cardiovascular events and identify root causes.
The network, comprising clinicians, researchers, social scientists, and individuals with lived experience, will then analyze these cases to develop targeted recommendations. These recommendations will be tailored to address specific challenges within Ontario's healthcare landscape, as well as contribute to broader national strategies. This includes addressing issues such as access to specialized care in remote areas of the province and ensuring equitable care for marginalized communities. By implementing these recommendations, CaNCaM-Preg hopes to contribute to safer pregnancies.
Improving care in Ontario and beyond
Dr. D’Souza believes that CaNCaM-Preg has the potential to make a profound impact, starting in Ontario and extending far beyond. As CaNCaM-Preg identifies and implements strategies to reduce severe cardiovascular events, it will serve as a model for countries worldwide grappling with similar challenges. By leading with innovation, collaboration, and compassion, this network can change the narrative for countless families and communities, making a lasting difference for generations to come.