Pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth are each associated with later cardiovascular disease, yet they rarely appear in the problem list a GP or physician reads years later. A single line in the discharge letter — the diagnosis, and a request for blood pressure and cardiovascular risk review — is the cheapest prevention in obstetrics.
At the six-week check, measure blood pressure, ask about family history, and tell the woman herself, so she can carry the information if her records do not.
- Put the placental diagnosis in the discharge letter's problem list, not only the narrative
- Request a blood pressure check at six weeks and a cardiovascular risk review within the year
- Tell the woman directly so she can mention it at future consultations
- Ask about smoking, weight and family history at the postnatal visit
Why it matters
The information exists at delivery and is usually lost by the time cardiovascular risk is assessed.
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