Bridging gaps: The urgent call for cardio-obstetrics as a subspecialty in India

Area of Science:

• Cardiology and Obstetrics

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease affects 1-4% of pregnancies, with increasing prevalence.
• India significantly contributes to global maternal deaths, with cardiovascular disease a growing concern.
• Cardiovascular disease in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal mortality in developed nations and projected to rise in India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical need for improved cardiovascular care in pregnancy in India.
• To identify gaps in current Indian healthcare for pregnant women with heart disease.
• To propose solutions for reducing preventable maternal mortality due to cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

• This article reviews existing literature and identifies critical gaps in India's cardio-obstetric care.
• It analyzes the challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of heart disease in pregnancy.
• It proposes a framework for developing essential resources and programs.

Main Results:

• India lacks crucial indigenous data, risk stratification tools, and management guidelines for cardio-obstetrics.
• The concept of dedicated cardio-obstetric teams is underdeveloped.
• Preventable maternal mortality from cardiovascular disease is a significant and growing issue.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent need to establish national registries and develop risk stratification tools.
• Disseminating management guidelines and creating dedicated cardio-obstetric programs are essential.
• Implementing these solutions can bridge gaps and improve maternal healthcare outcomes in India.