Follow-up Routine in Primary Care of Women after Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy - a Single-Center, Survey-Based Study

Introduction Women with a history of a hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of future cardiovascular diseases and are therefore recommended to participate in screening examinations and counseling on primary prevention. To understand the current routine of postpartum care, we examined how many women engage in follow-up examinations and whether counseling takes place. Methodology Single-center, survey-based study of 113 women affected by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy between 2014 and 2019. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the responses. Results A total of 54% of the women engaged in follow-up. Of the participants, 47% were informed about their diagnosis in a personal conversation and possible consequences were pointed out. Of the 67 women with a BMI >= 25 kg/m (2) , 23% received a recommendation to increase physical activity, and 13% of these women were advised to reduce their weight. Significantly more women with a higher burden of disease (BMI, p=0.027; arterial hypertension, p=0.016) and a severe form of hypertensive pregnancy disorder (eclampsia, intensive care treatment, each p=0.016) engaged in follow-up care. Conclusions The present results suggest that the strategies to prevent cardiovascular diseases and detect cardiovascular risk factors have not been consistently pursued. After a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, every woman should receive a recommendation to engage in follow-up examinations.