IMPROVE Study
Identifying Methods for Postpartum Reduction of Vascular Events.
Working with new mothers who have experienced high blood pressure
(hypertensive disorders) during pregnancy and birth.
Research Focus
Our population of interest for this study are mothers who are at risk of cardiac concerns after a new onset of high blood pressure in pregnancy (hypertensive disorder) and/or pre-eclampsia. Moms who have experienced these health concerns are at higher risk for future heart health issues.
We aim to benefit moms and hearts through the study of the impact of lifestyle changes including nutrition and activity along with coaching support and resources.
What We Can Offer…
Moms have big hearts. A mom gives birth and so much love and care to a newborn. Many new moms are also faced with so much learning, healing, and need for rest. It can be hard to set aside time and attention for themselves.
Some mothers are faced with health risk factors that resulted from hypertension (high blood pressure) in pregnancy that may affect health after baby has arrived, and in the years ahead.
Our study will help us find out the most important ways we can help moms and hearts stay healthy. Using a tested model, we will work with postpartum moms to identify and prevent cardiac risk factors.
What Participants Can Expect
Study participants will be placed (randomized) into either a control group or study group.
As a result, some study participants will be involved with health educator “coaches” to help take steps to look after their current and future heart health.
Our woman-centred approach involves a studied cardiac health model and includes:
- initial enrollment and general health testing
- health coaching for support for healthy lifestyle changes
- phone follow-up and check ins with health education
- in-person appointments
- resources, information on healthy choices
Getting Involved
Women who have experienced hypertension in pregnancy can benefit from cardiac and lifestyle support in the early postpartum period – just after their baby has (or babies have) arrived.
While in hospital, women affected by heart health concerns will be asked about their potential interest to be involved in the study.
We ask that new mothers agree to a series of general physical health appointments (eg. blood pressure checks) and possibly up to 2 health coaching appointments per month (by phone or visit).
Why Participate?
You may feel like all of your energy is focused on the newest member(s) of your family, but we want to encourage some time for your health. This study has the opportunity to inform your health and future cardiac health for women with blood pressure concerns during pregnancy.
Depending on your level of engagement in the study, we can offer women ideas, tools, resources and ways to plan for your health. By participating in our study, our goal is to learn how to remove the risks of future cardiac risk factors for you and other moms – because moms and hearts matter!
Where to start…
If you have agreed to participate in the IMPROVE study while in hospital, we will call you with more information about our study. Participation is always your option.
Our study has received ethics approval and involves support from the the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Heart health for moms everywhere.