Importance of the Cardio-Obstetrics Team

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Obstetrics
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Maternal mortality in the USA has increased since the 1980s.
• Cardiovascular disease is the primary driver of this trend.
• Integrated care models are crucial for managing pregnant patients with cardiac conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature supporting a multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics approach.
• To share experience in establishing an integrated cardio-obstetrics practice.
• To provide guidance on patient selection and management in combined practices.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on multidisciplinary care for cardiovascular disease in pregnancy.
• Description of a center's integrated cardio-obstetrics practice development.
• Guidance on patient selection and management strategies.

Main Results:

• Significant variation exists in antenatal management and delivery planning for pregnant patients with cardiovascular disease across US practices.
• Multidisciplinary care is supported by major professional organizations and research (e.g., CARPREG II risk score).

Conclusions:

• Evidence strongly supports a multidisciplinary approach for managing cardiac conditions in pregnancy.
• This integrated care model ensures consistent patient messaging on risks, management, and postpartum follow-up.
• Collaboration between cardiology and obstetrics in research is vital for improving care for mothers with heart conditions and their infants.