Intro: I’m Asia Chandler and this is Ask a Scientist  with Dr. Candice Price from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at NIH. 

AC: Dr. Price, It’s American Heart month and I’ve heard pregnancy is the ultimate stress test for your heart, is that true? 
 
CP: The stress of pregnancy can unmask underlying cardiovascular risks, which can increase the odds of having pregnancy related complications, such as experiencing preeclampsia, which is a dangerous rise in blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy. 

AC: How does that relate to heart disease, the leading cause of death? 

CP: These types of adverse outcomes have been linked to increased risk for heart disease even well after the baby is born. 
 
AC: What can women who are or may want to become pregnant do to lower risk? 
 
CP: Work with a healthcare provider to know your numbers, identify any existing health conditions, and find ways to stay physically active and support a healthy body weight. 
 
Outro: To learn more about pregnancy and heart health visit nhlbi.nih.gov.