Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
07:34
Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System
Published on: May 5, 2018
Cardiac disease in pregnancy
Surabhi Nanda1, Catherine Nelson-Piercy, Lucy Mackillop
1Women's Health, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Clinical Medicine (London, England)
|January 25, 2013
Summary
Cardiac disease is a major cause of maternal death in the UK. This review covers common heart conditions in pregnancy, emphasizing multidisciplinary care for better maternal and fetal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Cardiac disease is the primary cause of maternal mortality in the UK.
- Key contributors include cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, and aortic dissection.
- Rheumatic heart disease is re-emerging due to increased migrant populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common cardiac conditions during pregnancy.
- To outline antenatal and intrapartum management strategies.
- To highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cardiac conditions in pregnancy.
- Discussion of management protocols for various cardiac diseases.
- Emphasis on collaborative care between obstetricians, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy poses significant physiological challenges for women with heart disease.
- Uncorrected congenital heart disease and prosthetic valves complicate pregnancies.
- Multidisciplinary care is essential for managing maternal and fetal well-being.
Conclusions:
- Effective management requires a coordinated team approach.
- Planning for delivery, whether elective or emergency, is crucial.
- This review provides guidance on managing pregnant women with cardiac conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
01:26Imbalances in Cardiac Output
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
01:25Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
01:19Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...