Cardiovascular Disease Screening in Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Cardiology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the leading cause of pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, surpassing hemorrhage and thromboembolism.
• Approximately 15.5% of all pregnancy-related deaths are attributed to CVD.
• Pregnancy naturally places significant stress on a woman's cardiovascular system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a cause of pregnancy-related mortality.
• To emphasize the physiological cardiovascular changes during pregnancy that can mimic CVD symptoms.
• To underscore the critical need for obstetric providers to differentiate normal pregnancy symptoms from pathological CVD processes.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review of current literature and clinical data regarding cardiovascular disease in pregnancy.
• Analysis of mortality statistics related to pregnancy in the United States.
• Examination of physiological hemodynamic changes during pregnancy.

Main Results:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now the primary cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the US.
• Physiological cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy can present symptoms similar to CVD, particularly in the third trimester.
• Distinguishing between normal pregnancy symptoms and CVD is challenging but essential.

Conclusions:

• Obstetric providers must be vigilant in assessing and differentiating cardiovascular disease symptoms from normal pregnancy changes.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of CVD during pregnancy is vital for improving maternal outcomes.
• Increased awareness and specialized training are needed to address the growing threat of CVD in pregnant populations.