The TGH Heart & Vascular Institute Cardio-Obstetrics program is proud to offer the Healthy Hearts program for maternal health, a program focused on providing post-partum specialized care for women who have experienced pregnancy complications due to high blood pressure. As the first-of-its-kind in our region, our program combines innovative technology, personalized care and a world-class multidisciplinary team to improve both short-term recovery and long-term cardiovascular health for new mothers.
In fact, our commitment to advancing maternal health has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as One of the Nation’s Best for Heart & Vascular Care and Highest Ranked in Florida for Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2024-25. As a team, we aim to be a resource and provide the best support for women during their most critical time after birth.
What Sets Us Apart
As part of the first and only academic cardio-obstetrical program in the Tampa Bay region, we offer interdisciplinary collaboration and coordinated pregnancy care with TGH’s Women’s Institute. Additionally, our Healthy Hearts program is also at the forefront of innovation. Through the Women’s Health Collaborative (WHC) Seed Grant, we’re conducting groundbreaking research to better understand postpartum cardiovascular care for women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This research aims to improve outcomes and inform best practices for care delivery.
Beyond these qualifications, our Healthy Hearts Program is transforming postpartum care in Tampa Bay and beyond with these key features:
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Our team integrates cardiovascular and obstetric care with a team of specialists, including cardiologists, maternal-fetal medicine physicians, and dedicated nurse practitioners who provide one-on-one education, manage virtual blood pressure monitoring, and coordinate postpartum care. Additional team members include lactation consultants, social workers, and diabetes educators, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, patient-centered support.
Innovative Technology
In partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, our team offers both in-person and remote blood pressure monitoring through the Heart Safe Motherhood platform, ensuring you receive continuous care most convenient for you.
Convenient and Comprehensive Care
As a high-volume maternal center of excellence, we provide the most comprehensive care for our patients and aim to empower women to proactively manage their heart health. We do this through our pre-discharge bedside education sessions, personalized risk assessments during postpartum visits, and smooth continuity of care as our patients transition to primary care within our TGMG network for long-term health management.
With onsite labs, patients can conveniently complete required testing during their visits without the need for additional travel. This integrated support system ensures that every aspect of care is covered, creating a smooth, accessible, and supportive experience for patients throughout their postpartum journey.
Who is Eligible?
You may qualify for the TGH Healthy Hearts Program if you:
- Delivered at Tampa General Hospital or were admitted in the postpartum phase for high blood pressure.
- Experienced pregnancy-related high blood pressure, including:
- Chronic hypertension
- Gestational hypertension
- Complications including preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome
If you meet these criteria, our program offers a personalized pathway to recovery and long-term cardiovascular health.
What to Expect
Our Healthy Hearts Program provides comprehensive care through a streamlined process:
- Pre-Discharge Support: Before leaving the hospital, our dedicated nurse navigator will provide bedside education, resources, and a personalized care plan.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring:
- In-person follow-ups at our postpartum blood pressure clinic.
- Virtual monitoring through the Heart Safe Motherhood platform for convenience and real-time support.
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Tailored assessments during the first three months postpartum to reduce long-term cardiovascular risks.
- Coordinated Care: Seamless scheduling of appointments and referrals, with active transition to primary care providers within our network.
- Support Services: Access to lactation consultants, diabetes educators, and social workers to support your overall well-being.
With these resources, our program ensures a safe transition from hospital to home while focusing on both immediate recovery and long-term heart health.
Our Team
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Daniela Crousillat, MD, FACC
Assistant Professor |
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Ashley Young, RNC, BSN, RN |
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Catherine Nadeau DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE |
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August Swope, MSN, RN, C-EFM |
