Physical Activity and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy among Hispanic Women

<p> Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) pose significant risks to materno-fetal health. Appropriate knowledge of the condition ensures timely intervention. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations in HDP differ from those in the non-pregnant population. Salt restriction is not recommended and physical activity may be contraindicated. The aim of the study is to identify the knowledge of pregnant hypertensive Indian women about normal blood pressure in pregnancy, warning signs and complications of HDP and control measures. A cross sectional study was conducted in maternity centres using purposive convenience sampling and a structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. One hundred women completed the study. Sixty three per cent knew what constituted high blood pressure, 56% and 60% had a knowledge score of ≤ 50% for warning signs and complications of high blood pressure respectively. When questioned about control measures, women believed that dietary modifications (88%), physical activity (84%), bed rest (51%) and weight loss (44%) were important. With respect to knowledge of salt intake recommendations, 39% correctly identified the daily recommendation, 93% believed salt reduction is necessary and 21% believed salt elimination is required. Thirty nine per cent of women stated high calcium foods are beneficial for control. Post diagnosis, 80% and 38% reported salt reduction and use of low sodium salt, respectively. Traditional home remedies cited included bananas, spinach, curry leaf, garlic, barley water, flax seeds and beetroot. In adequate awareness of HDP may delay necessary medical interventions. Misconceptions regarding salt restriction need to be addressed to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. Counseling regarding a healthy diet for HDP and risks associated with excess physical activity and strict bed rest need to be communicated more effectively.</p>

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Abstract 14750: Characteristics Associated With Postpartum Physical Activity Levels Among Women With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.14750 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Jennifer Lewey ◽

Samantha Murphy ◽

Michal Elovitz ◽

Lisa Levine

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Step Count ◽

Postpartum Women ◽

Daily Step ◽

Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy ◽

Hypertensive Disorders ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Daily Step Count ◽

Participant Characteristics

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), such as preeclampsia, are associated with increased risk of CV disease. Postpartum interventions may mitigate this risk but have not been well studied in women with HDP. STEP UP Mom is a randomized clinical trial to increase physical activity (PA) in postpartum women with HDP using remote monitoring and social incentives (NCT04119232). We analyzed patient characteristics associated with daily step count prior to study randomization to understand factors associated with postpartum PA. Methods: Between October 2019 and May 2020, 168 women were enrolled. Participant characteristics were collected from surveys and chart abstraction. We used univariate and multivariable linear regression to identify characteristics associated with step count, as measured by wearable devices. We also compared women with low step count (defined as ≤ 4800 steps/day, the lowest step count quartile) vs. > 4800 steps per day using chi-square test. This analysis includes 137 participants with complete baseline data available at end of enrollment. Results: Mean daily baseline step count was 7444 (SD 3453). The associations between participant characteristics and baseline daily step count are presented in the Table. In multivariable regression, characteristics associated with higher baseline step count were self-reported health as good or better (2789 steps, p<0.001), tobacco use (2622 steps, p=0.03) high school education or less (1676 steps, p=0.019) and weeks since delivery (293 steps per week, p=0.011). Participants with low baseline step count (≤ 4800 steps/day) were more likely to enroll after the COVID-19 pandemic (34% vs. 18%, p=0.04) and be married (71% vs. 49%, p=0.029) compared to those with normal/high step count. Conclusion: Multiple patient characteristics impact postpartum PA levels, which may be helpful in planning lifestyle interventions in high-risk postpartum women.

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