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Attending and speaking at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) conference was an incredible experience that Catherine Nadeau was excited to share. As a nurse practitioner, this event provided a great opportunity for professional growth, learning, and networking.

The AANP conference featured numerous educational sessions covering a wide range of clinical topics essential for practice, including hands-on workshops. These sessions, led by experts, offered invaluable training, ensuring attendees stayed current in their field. In addition to clinical education, the conference also provided crucial updates on advocacy and policy, keeping nurse practitioners informed about issues that affect their practice and patients.

Speaking at the conference was a significant privilege for Catherine. Her talk, titled “Maternal Health and Cardiovascular Outcomes,” highlighted the pressing issue of maternal disparities in cardiovascular health. Below is a summary of her presentation.

AANP Abstract Summary: Maternal Health and Cardiovascular Outcomes

The presentation aimed to inform nurse practitioners about the link between pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) as risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). It proposed a transitional postpartum care clinic model to support high-risk cardio-OB patients during the ‘fourth trimester.’

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal deaths, with pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health declining and exacerbating pregnancy complications like APOs. Improving cardiovascular health is crucial to reducing long-term CVD risk, and the postpartum period offers an opportunity for optimization.

A multi-level, collaborative transitional clinic can support women during the critical postpartum year, bridging them to primary or specialty care and assessing the effectiveness of interventions to improve postpartum maternal cardiometabolic health.

Catherine Nadeau’s participation in the AANP conference as a speaker not only showcased her expertise but also underscored the importance of addressing maternal cardiovascular health disparities. Her insights and proposals have the potential to significantly impact the care and outcomes of high-risk postpartum women.