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UCSF's Innovative Approach to Heart Health in High-Risk Pregnancies

Introduction

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is embarking on groundbreaking research in collaboration with Vivalink, a leader in digital healthcare solutions. The focus of this initiative is the BRITE-MOM study, which aims to explore the impact of pregnancy on heart health, particularly in high-risk patients. The implementation of Vivalink's advanced wearable devices and data platform promises to revolutionize the way arrhythmias are monitored in pregnant women.

The Need for Continuous Monitoring

As the number of cases involving cardiac complications during pregnancy continues to rise, the need for a better understanding of these issues has never been more pressing. Data from recent years reveals an alarming statistic: maternal mortality from cardiac complications has reached 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2021. This alarming trend raises critical questions about cardiovascular health and its implications for maternal outcomes.

Dr. Nicky Herrick, co-principal investigator of the study and a cardiology fellow at UCSF, emphasizes the heightened risks faced by women with conditions such as congenital heart disease (CHD) and pre-eclampsia. These women encounter a significantly increased likelihood of experiencing arrhythmias during pregnancy, yet data regarding the timing and frequency of these occurrences is severely limited.

Innovative Technology Utilized

The BRITE-MOM study employs Vivalink's state-of-the-art wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) devices, which provide researchers with real-time data monitoring throughout pregnancy and for six months postpartum. This technology enables healthcare professionals to identify patterns and episodes of arrhythmias that may occur among participants, facilitating more effective clinical interventions.

Anushree Agarwal, another co-principal investigator and UCSF cardiologist, states, "We are excited to bring longitudinal ECG data into maternal cardiovascular research. By utilizing wearable devices over the long term, we can capture episodes of arrhythmia and early indicators of cardiac stress that might otherwise go unnoticed."

Participant Enrollment and Research Goals

The study is actively enrolling pregnant women, particularly those with histories of congenital heart disease or pre-eclampsia, conditions that significantly increase arrhythmia risks and other cardiovascular complications. Through Vivalink's comprehensive cloud data services, researchers will collect continuous, real-time data from participants. They will examine critical factors such as heart rate variability, arrhythmia episodes, and early warning signs signaling cardiac stress.

This valuable information not only seeks to improve the understanding of arrhythmias during pregnancy but also aims to enhance overall cardiovascular care for high-risk individuals. By identifying symptoms and patterns early, healthcare providers can implement timely interventions, significantly reducing maternal and fetal risks.

Conclusion

The collaboration between UCSF and Vivalink marks a significant advance in maternal health research, focusing on understanding and mitigating the risks of arrhythmias in high-risk populations. As this pioneering study progresses, it holds the potential to reshape how healthcare providers manage cardiac health in pregnant women, ultimately striving for better outcomes and improved quality of care.

For more information on Vivalink's innovative healthcare solutions, visit www.vivalink.com. If you are interested in participating in the BRITE-MOM study, contact Dr. Nicky Herrick at [email protected]