title: Reproductive health experiences of women with cardiovascular disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Limited research exists exploring contraceptive and pregnancy experiences of women with cardiovascular diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted semistructured interviews with reproductive-age women with chronic hypertension or peripartum cardiomyopathy exploring thoughts and behaviors regarding future fertility. Transcribed interviews were coded and analyzed identifying salient themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We interviewed 20 women with chronic hypertension and 10 women with peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women described a spectrum of perspectives regarding the relationship between disease and fertility: from complete disconnect to full integration of diagnosis and future fertility plans. Integration of reproductive and cardiovascular health was influenced by and reflected in circumstances of diagnosis, pregnancy-related experiences, contraception-related experiences and conceptualization of disease risk related to reproductive health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Providers must better understand how women perceive and consider their reproductive and cardiovascular health in order to optimize contraceptive care of women with cardiovascular disease and help them make safe, informed decisions about future fertility.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. jchormd@gmail.com
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chor
authors.forename: Lora
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Oswald
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Briller
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cowett
authors.forename: Nadine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Peacock
authors.forename: Bryna
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Harwood
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000150:complications; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D003267:Contraception; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D060728:Reproductive Health