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Episode Summary
Pregnancy complications can affect a woman’s health long after delivery—but those connections are not always recognized.
In this episode of Amplify, Ursula Mann and Anne-Marie Hayes speak with Bonnie about her experience with HELLP syndrome, a rare and potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication involving the blood and liver. At 36 weeks pregnant, Bonnie developed high blood pressure, a severe headache, and vomiting, leading to an urgent induction and the early delivery of her first child.
At the time, Bonnie believed that delivering her baby marked the end of the danger. Years later, however, she experienced a major cardiac event and was diagnosed with atrial flutter. Despite her continuing symptoms, traditional cardiac tests and risk assessments repeatedly classified her as low risk.
Bonnie shares how she eventually learned about the connection between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems later in life. She discusses the relief of finally having her experience validated, the importance of including pregnancy history in cardiovascular assessments, and the difficulties patients face when their symptoms do not fit established clinical models.
Through her advocacy and collaboration with healthcare researchers, Bonnie is helping bring the patient perspective into medical education, research, and conversations about women’s heart health. She also offers practical advice for communicating with healthcare professionals, preparing for medical appointments, and remaining “stable but alert” when managing long-term health risks.
Episode Highlights
- 09:49 – Understanding HELLP syndrome
- 12:39 – When Bonnie realized something was wrong
- 14:21 – An urgent and unexpected delivery
- 17:25 – Navigating subsequent pregnancies
- 20:40 – Why delivery may not be the end of the story
- 23:26 – The missing question in cardiovascular care
- 27:18 – Bringing the patient voice into cardiology education
- 30:15 – Becoming “stable but alert”
- 37:49 – A message for expectant mothers
- 38:14 – Giving women permission to care for themselves
- 40:30 – Practical tools for patient self-advocacy
- 49:23 – A major cardiac event years later
- 51:19 – When the tests say everything is fine—but the patient is not
- 53:41 – Finally finding the missing connection
- 55:34 – Why reassurance is not always enough
Bonnie
Bonnie’s busy life as a mom and management consultant was interrupted in 2016 when she suddenly developed a potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmia. In the months and years that followed, she was determined to find out why this had happened and what was behind her ongoing symptoms post-cardiac ablation. What she discovered was a healthcare system largely without answers for a woman with heart disease. It wasn’t until she happened upon a Libin Cardiovascular lecture at a women’s heart health workshop that she learned what was wrong and, more importantly, what she needed to feel better and get her life back. Since then she has embraced every opportunity to share her story in the hopes it reaches other women searching for answers.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed by guests on Amplify are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, Patient Voice Partners, or its affiliates.
Medical Disclaimer:
The content shared on Amplify is for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed on this podcast—including stories, experiences, perspectives, or commentary from hosts, guests, or contributors—should be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
Always seek the guidance of your physician or other licensed provider with any questions regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options.