North Texas Research Forum 2025

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Division

North Texas

Hospital

Medical City Arlington

Specialty

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2025

Keywords

lactation, breast feeding, cardiovascular disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, underrepresented racial and ethnic groups

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

Pregnancy functions as a cardiopulmonary stress test, unmasking underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD) or heightening the future CVD risk following adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Multiple studies have demonstrated strong associations between APOs, higher mortality rates, and an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Black women, in particular, have a disproportionately higher burden of coronary artery disease related mortality, with an earlier onset compared to women of other racial and ethnic groups. Increasing allostatic load due to both acute and chronic racial discrimination may potentially be a key factor driving poorer pregnancy outcomes. Breastfeeding has a protective effect on allostatic load and is linked to improved maternal cardiometabolic health In the United States, Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups (UREG) have the lowest rates of breastfeeding initiation, retention, and duration—potentially influenced by both cultural factors and systemic biases within healthcare. Interventions must extend beyond healthcare settings to engage key stakeholders, including community leaders and families to create sustainable change and reduce disparities. As maternal CVD prevalence rises among UREG populations, a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to improving breastfeeding rates is essential to improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Original Publisher

HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education

Maternal Cardiovascular Risk and Lactation: Disparities and Future Directions

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