A sweeping study of over six million births in California reveals alarming racial and ethnic disparities in maternal cardiovascular health. Black and American Indian/Alaska Native mothers face the highest risks of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and the lowest rates of ideal heart health before and during childbirth.
Between 2007 and 2019, the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy—including chronic hypertension and preeclampsia—increased across all racial and ethnic groups. Yet Black mothers consistently had the highest rates, with a 60% greater risk of these conditions compared to White mothers. Their risk of chronic hypertension was more than double.
American Indian/Alaska Native mothers followed closely, with a 41% higher risk of hypertensive disorders and the lowest likelihood of ideal cardiovascular health. Only 32.8% had ideal heart health before pregnancy, and just 30.8% during pregnancy.
“These differences persisted throughout the study period,” researchers reported, emphasizing the need to address structural determinants of health. The study links these disparities to systemic racism, which shapes access to healthy environments, economic opportunities, and medical care.
While Asian/Pacific Islander mothers had the highest rates of ideal cardiovascular health, Hispanic/Latinx mothers showed mixed outcomes—lower risk of chronic hypertension but worsening heart health before pregnancy.
The findings underscore the urgency of targeted interventions. “Monitoring maternal cardiovascular health among racially marginalized individuals and addressing its structural drivers is a key preventive measure,” the authors concluded.
See: “Trends and Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal Cardiovascular Health in California” (September 25, 2025)
