Improving cardiac outcomes for moms across Virginia.

Maternal Cardiac Health

Heart health is critical in pregnancy and postpartum. Cardiac conditions significantly increase the risk of severe maternal morbidity and complications during pregnancy and postpartum. Additionally, rates of preterm birth among deliveries with cardiac conditions in Virginia increased from 216.68 per 1000 deliveries in 2020 to 236.84 per 1000 deliveries in 2024.

Maternal Cardiac Health Statistics in Virginia

Among pregnant mothers from 2020-2024,

2.83%

have pulmonary hypertension

23.55%

have heart arrhythmias

per 100 deliveries

VA HEARTs Moms

The latest statewide initiative focused on improving the identification, assessment, and management of cardiac conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Email us to learn more and get started.

Overview

The Virginia (VA) Health, Evaluation, Assessment, Response and Treatment (HEART)s Moms project is a QI initiative with statewide impact on perinatal cardiac health. Guided by the AIM Cardiac Conditions in Obstetric Care Bundle, the project supports participating hospitals in strengthening clinical processes to reduce preventable maternal morbidity and mortality.

Aims

  • Improve early identification and risk assessment of maternal cardiac conditions
  • Enhance timely and appropriate management of cardiac conditions during pregnancy and postpartum
  • Reduce preventable maternal morbidity and mortality related to cardiac conditions

How does it work?

The project is currently in the early planning phase. The project faculty has been selected and the first faculty meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2026. Upcoming work will focus on developing the project charter, driver diagram, and key metrics in collaboration with faculty, followed by recruitment and onboarding of participating hospitals.

Timeline

The MCQI Project is currently in the early planning phase.

January – March 2026

  • Complete faculty recruitment

  • Initial project faculty meeting

April – June 2026

  • Hold first project kickoff meeting

  • Complete project design, charter, driver diagram and key metrics planning with faculty

  • Prepare onboarding materials and recruitment strategy

  • Initiate hospital recruitment

For Participants

Dr. Saima Shikari, DO

Dr. Antonio Saad, MD

Dr. Vienne Murray, MD

Dr. Christopher Ennen, MD

Dr. Emily Barrows, MD

Holly Perkins, MS, RN, FNP-C

Jessa Hallam, NP

Hannah Padgett, MSN, FNP-C

Kerry Patterson, RN, MSN

Lisa McCann, OT

Hospital participant recruitment will begin Summer 2026.

Participants in this QI project will:

  • Join in learning sessions and project meetings
  • Submit data and progress tracking monthly
  • Implement facility-level quality improvement initiatives
  • Engage in collaborative discussions and shared learning activities
  • Attend regular check-ins and technical assistance support calls

Benefits of participating in VNPC's Maternal Cardiac Project include:

  • Access to evidence-based practices aligned with the AIM Cardiac Bundle
  • Support in improving clinical processes for maternal cardiac care
  • Data tracking and performance feedback
  • Technical assistance and expert guidance from project faculty
  • Opportunities for shared learning and collaboration across hospitals

 

VA HEARTs Moms

Co-Chairs

The two co-leads for VA HEARTs Moms were selected for their expertise in perinatal cardiac health, as well as their commitment to advancing maternal health outcomes.

Antonio Saad, MD

Dr. Antonio Saad is a board-certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Critical Care specialist at Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he serves as MFM Fellowship Program Director and Director of the Perinatal Research Unit. His clinical and research interests focus on maternal cardiac disease, obstetric critical care, maternal morbidity and mortality, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and innovative clinical trial development to improve outcomes for mothers and infants.

Saima Shikari, DO

Dr. Saima Shikari is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in Women’s Cardiovascular Health and Cardio-Obstetrics at VCU Health’s Pauley Heart Center, where she also serves as core faculty for the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program. Her clinical and academic interests focus on cardiovascular disease in pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes, coronary microvascular dysfunction, and long-term cardiovascular risk reduction in women. She is passionate about improving maternal cardiovascular outcomes through multidisciplinary care, education, and quality improvement initiatives.