Incorporating Severe Maternal Morbidity Into Clinical Prediction Models for Postpartum Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND: Sex differences influence predisposition, treatment, and recovery from adverse cardiac events.Women typically experience cardiac events at older ages, receive fewer evidence-based treatments, and report poorer outcomes.However, limited research has explored the impact of sex and gender on cognitive and psychological recovery.Understanding these factors might guide targeted interventions.METHODS: Men and women hospitalized for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction completed cognitive tests to assess memory, reasoning, and verbal skills, alongside screenings for depression and anxiety.Assessments occurred in-hospital near discharge and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups.RESULTS: Contrary to trends, women showed better resuscitation circumstances and neurological prognoses.Mild cognitive impairment was observed at all time points, with no significant differences between men and women.Women exhibited better global recovery than typically reported, potentially mitigating cognitive disadvantages.However, women reported greater symptoms of anxiety and depression beyond 3 months postdischarge.All participants identified as cisgender, leaving the role of gender inconclusive.CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction showed mild acute and postacute cognitive impairment.These findings highlight the need for sensitive cognitive assessments in cardiac populations and psychological screening and intervention, particularly for female survivors of ischemic cardiac events.