Catholic Health Launches Program to Address Maternal Heart Health Issues 

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in pregnant and postpartum women in the United States, and Catholic Health’s Good Samaritan Hospital (West Islip, NY) is launching a pilot initiative to address this national crisis. The Women’s Heart Wellness Program combines the skill of Good Samaritan’s gynecologists with St. Francis Heart Center’s clinical cardiovascular excellence. This collaboration creates a first of its kind care plan at Catholic Health that allows families to focus on one of life’s greatest joys and without worrying about their health care needs.
 
“It’s vital to address cardiac risks that put a woman’s health in jeopardy during pregnancy,” said St. Francis Heart Center Cardiologist Uschi Auguste, MD, MPH, FACC. “To improve outcomes before and after pregnancy, women with known cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia need access to specialized care.”
 
Based at South Bay Cardiovascular in West Islip, the Women’s Heart Wellness Program creates an individualized plan for each patient. This tailored treatment may involve medication changes, weight loss management, exercise plans, nutrition counseling and specialized care for labor and delivery. This entire approach is coordinated by a nurse navigator who works with the patient’s cardiovascular and women’s health providers to offer an optimal level of care.  
 
“This is an important program that will help to save so many lives,” said Good Samaritan Hospital’s Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology John Vullo, DO. “In addition to receiving the best perinatal care available, our patients will now have direct access to the exceptional cardiac care available through the St. Francis Heart Center.”
 
Learn the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and see if you fit the criteria for the Women’s Heart Wellness Program.
 
Please contact your gynecologist or primary care provider for a referral to the program. If you need a physician, call (866) MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362) to find a Catholic Health physician near you.