Effectiveness of a postpartum vascular risk reduction clinic on behavioral change and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in women who had preeclampsia: a case-control study.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of our vascular risk reduction clinic for women who had preeclampsia, in improving patients' cardiovascular outcomes, self-reported healthy behaviors, and knowledge about their long-term cardiovascular health.

Study Design: Retrospective case-control study where 470 surveys were mailed: half were patients seen in Postpartum Preeclampsia Clinic 2010-2019, and controls were patients who did not attend a scheduled clinic appointment or were seen in Obstetric Medicine clinic postpartum for preeclampsia. Primary outcome was a lack of postpartum weight gain. Secondary outcomes included new vascular diseases, smoking, exercise, and physician follow-up.

Results: Ninety-four (43.3%) of clinic attendees returned survey and 30.3% of controls. Fewer clinic attendees gained weight postpartum, and attendees had fewer hypertension and followed up more with family physicians. Most attendees found the clinic helpful.

Conclusions: Postpartum Preeclampsia Clinic was effective in affecting some vascular outcomes and in improving knowledge and follow-up behaviors.