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Cardio obstetrics: Bridging heart and pregnancy health
Rachel L Goldberg1, Sindhu Prabakaran1, Nandita S Scott1
1Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of maternal health issues. This review outlines essential Cardio Obstetrics principles for clinicians to bridge knowledge gaps and improve care for pregnant individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the U.S.
- Cardio Obstetrics is an emerging field lacking formal training for many cardiovascular clinicians.
- Existing knowledge and care gaps negatively impact pregnant individuals with cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish standard knowledge for clinicians caring for pregnant individuals.
- To provide principles for the evaluation and management of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy.
- To address the educational deficit in Cardio Obstetrics.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article.
- It synthesizes current knowledge and expert consensus.
- Principles are presented for clinical guidance.
Main Results:
- Key principles for cardiovascular care during pregnancy are outlined.
- Guidance covers both evaluation and management strategies.
- The review aims to standardize clinician knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Standardized knowledge in Cardio Obstetrics is crucial for improving maternal outcomes.
- All clinicians should be familiar with these essential principles.
- Implementing these guidelines can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease remains a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Cardio Obstetrics is a nascent field for which most cardiovascular clinicians have not received any formal training. This has resulted in knowledge and care gaps. In this review we provide principles to guide the care for the evaluation and management of pregnancy capable individuals, which should be considered the standard knowledge for all clinicians.
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