Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy services offered in Santa Monica, CA

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are some of the most common medical complications affecting mothers today, occurring in up to 1 in 7 pregnancies and significantly increasing the risk of future cardiovascular disease. Women who develop gestational hypertension or preeclampsia have a markedly higher chance of developing chronic hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and metabolic disease later in life.

If you’ve experienced high blood pressure during or after pregnancy—or you have a history of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, or chronic hypertension—specialized cardiovascular follow-up is essential. Jenica L. Ortega, MD, at Commons Clinic in Santa Monica, California, focuses on women’s cardiovascular health, an area long underserved in traditional cardiology. She provides compassionate, comprehensive outpatient evaluation and long-term preventive care to help reduce your lifetime heart disease risk.

For personalized guidance and proactive heart health after pregnancy, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ortega by booking online or calling the office today.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Q & A

How do hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect my long-term health?

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP)—including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, and superimposed preeclampsia—don’t end after delivery. Even when blood pressure returns to normal, HDP is one of the strongest early warning signs for future cardiovascular disease.

Women who experience HDP have higher rates of:

Chronic hypertension
Coronary artery disease
Heart failure
Stroke
Atrial fibrillation
Chronic kidney disease
Diabetes and metabolic syndrome

These risks can begin years—even months—after pregnancy. Dr. Ortega provides outpatient follow-up and preventive cardiology specifically designed to address these long-term risks.

Why is follow-up important after HDP?

Many women feel well after pregnancy, but blood pressure and vascular function may take months to normalize. Some women develop new or persistent hypertension after delivery, while others remain at risk despite normal readings.

Outpatient cardiovascular follow-up helps identify early changes and supports long-term prevention. This is especially important because:

Up to 50–70% of women with HDP later develop chronic hypertension.
Early lifestyle and medical management reduces lifetime cardiovascular risk.
Most heart disease related to HDP is preventable with the right long-term care.

Dr. Ortega provides structured outpatient support focused on risk assessment, prevention, and long-term cardiovascular health—not acute postpartum care.