Patient Story #3: Maria's Quest to Find the Right Cardiologist for Her

Maria's blood pressure was dangerously high throughout her pregnancy and well into the postpartum stage. A dedicated maternal care team of OB-GYNs, midwives and nurse practitioners immediately flagged her as high-risk. But despite constant monitoring and frequent check-ups, Maria's numbers wouldn't budge.

In the end, all it took to turn her health around was switching to a different cardiologist—one who actually ordered the right tests and prescribed the right medications. Maria's story is yet another example of how dangerous it can be when Black moms fall into the hands of complacent and ineffectual providers.

Visit OWN's Heart Health page for vital updates and information about cardiac disease prevention.