How SimpliFed can help with the prevalence of perinatal hypertension
Perinatal hypertension’s impact on health systems
Hypertension in pregnancy has been rising at an alarming rate. In fact, a recent study says its prevalence has nearly doubled since 2007. But perhaps what is most concerning, is that the same study also says 40% of individuals who showed signs of chronic hypertension during pregnancy went undetected and received no treatment at all.
Untreated chronic hypertension in pregnancy can lead to a myriad of health issues for patients and babies, including long-term heart disease, preterm birth, low birth rate and so much more. Perhaps one of the most severe complications of high blood pressure during pregnancy, preeclampsia, now occurs in 2 to 8% of all pregnancies in the United States and according to the CDC is responsible for over 70,000 maternal and 500,000 fetal deaths worldwide. The long term impacts are also staggering: Women with a history of preeclampsia have a 5X higher rate of heart attack, 3X higher rate of stroke, 2X increased risk of coronary artery disease, and 4X increase in risk of future heart failure. This data alone shows us it’s time to rethink our current healthcare model, which is struggling to catch these rising-risk patients.
But catching high blood pressure isn't only a benefit for patients and families. Delivery with hypertension costs an additional $5,061 per patient, while preeclampsia has been reported to increase the cost of care by $28,603 per mother–infant pair compared to uncomplicated full-term pregnancies. By diagnosing and providing early treatment for at risk patients, healthcare systems can mitigate costly complications.
Most seriously, women who experience adverse outcomes like preeclampsia remain at a greater risk of premature death years after their babies graduate high school.
How can SimpliFed help?
Due to these rising numbers, both ACOG and the AHA recommend that women monitor their blood pressure remotely throughout pregnancy and up to a year postpartum. But taking a blood pressure screening daily means nothing if a clinical team isn't ready to read it and escalate if needed.
At SimpliFed our team of clinical providers works with patients to help interpret readings, create care plans, and escalate for treatment before further complications develop. And we can do this because of our virtual model.
Our program follows several touchpoints with consistent, timely communication.
Conclusion
Our current healthcare model isn’t catching women with symptoms of hypertension. But it isn’t the provider's or systems' fault. Such a serious, life-threatening pregnancy complication requires consistent touchpoints that are very difficult to manage in a typical brick-and-mortar clinic. Our virtual model enables timely communication, weeknight and weekend appointments, and tailored care plans that make meeting with us easy!
If you’re interested in how SimpliFed can help with the prevalence of perinatal hypertensions, contact us.
