Dr. Rohan D’Souza Shares Vision for Improving Cardiovascular Health in Pregnancy

Dr. Rohan D’Souza, nominated principal investigator of the Canadian Network of Networks to Reduce Cardiovascular Mortality and Morbidity in Pregnancy (CaNCaM-Preg), was recently invited to speak at the Heart & Stroke Foundation Leadership Meeting to share insights into the network’s work. CaNCaM-Preg, one of two initiatives awarded the Research Networks of Excellence in Heart and Brain Health grant, has secured $5 million in funding over five years to address cardiovascular health challenges in women.
Funded by Heart & Stroke, Brain Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Gender and Health, CaNCaM-Preg aims to better understand and address cardiovascular risks associated with pregnancy through collaboration across disciplines.
“Cardiovascular conditions remain a leading cause of severe health complications, including death, during pregnancy,” said Dr. D’Souza, who is also an Associate Professor in the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University, and a Canada Research Chair in Maternal Health. “This initiative brings together expertise and lived experience to improve care and outcomes for individuals during pregnancy and beyond.”
A Nationwide Effort to Address Pregnancy-Related Heart Health Risks
CaNCaM-Preg is establishing a broad network of clinicians, researchers, social scientists, economists, and individuals with lived experience to focus on:

Conducting detailed reviews of serious cardiovascular events during pregnancy to inform better prevention and care strategies.
Providing follow-up care for individuals with heart conditions after pregnancy to improve long-term health outcomes.
Ensuring access to specialized care for those with heart valve disease during pregnancy to support both parent and child health.

Dr. D’Souza highlighted the importance of collaboration and evidence-based care in tackling these challenges. “By building a network grounded in equity, diversity, and inclusion, we can enhance the way cardiovascular health is managed during pregnancy,” he noted.
Through this initiative, CaNCaM-Preg seeks to advance understanding, improve care pathways, and reduce preventable heart-related complications, with the goal of creating lasting improvements in health outcomes for individuals and families across Canada.






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