Pregnancy and cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) complicates 1-4% of pregnancies, a leading cause of maternal mortality.
• Acquired heart disease presenting during pregnancy has a high mortality rate.
• Increasing prevalence of CVD in pregnancy is linked to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and older maternal age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the physiological adaptations during pregnancy that can provoke or exacerbate cardiometabolic complications.
• To examine how cardiometabolic disease compromises pregnancy adaptations and fetal development.
• To highlight the challenges in managing CVD in pregnancy due to maternal physiological changes and fetal considerations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy.
• Analysis of physiological changes during pregnancy and their impact on cardiometabolic health.
• Examination of the interplay between maternal cardiometabolic disease and fetal outcomes.

Main Results:

• Pregnancy involves profound physiological changes that can unmask or worsen cardiometabolic conditions.
• Cardiometabolic diseases pose risks to both maternal and fetal well-being.
• Management requires balancing essential treatment with potential fetal harm.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular disease in pregnancy presents significant challenges due to complex maternal physiology and fetal risks.
• Understanding the bidirectional impact of CVD and pregnancy adaptations is crucial for improved outcomes.
• Timely intervention and careful management are essential for mother and child survival.