KSHB: Rare Life-Threatening Pregnancy Condition Can Have Serious Health Implications Later in Life

Shelle Jensen, now 62, delivered her first baby at 26 years old after a normal pregnancy. After giving birth at noon, her body wasn’t allowing her blood to clot. Hours later she was very sick. She was diagnosed with HELLP. 

HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets) Syndrome is a life-threatening pregnancy complication and women are often completely unaware that it can put them at an increased risk many years later. 

Fast forward 20 years, Shelle was diagnosed with high blood pressure by Dr. Tracy Stevens, cardiologist and Saint Luke’s Muriel I Kauffman Women’s Heart Center medical director, who explained to that her hypertension today actually was the result of her first pregnancy and suffering from HELLP almost 40 years ago. 

Shelle and Dr. Stevens talk with KSHB about Shelle's story and why it's important to always monitor your health. 


 

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