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Cardio-Obstetrics Practice in Latin America: A Regional Survey of General Cardiologists
César J Herrera1, Jenniffer Mateo1, Rachel Goldberg2
1CEDIMAT Cardiovascular Center, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Insights
Cardiovascular care for pregnant patients in Latin America is suboptimal. Most cardiologists lack formal cardio-obstetrics training and feel unprepared, despite interest in improving their skills for managing cardiovascular disease in pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Global Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease poses a significant global mortality risk for pregnant women.
- Latin America faces a data gap regarding cardio-obstetrics (CO) training and practice patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cardio-obstetrics (CO) competency and practice patterns among general cardiologists in Latin America (LATAM).
Main Methods:
- An anonymous, cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to cardiologists in LATAM.
- The survey collected data on demographics, CO training, and practice patterns for pregnant patients with cardiovascular disease.
Main Results:
- 464 cardiologists responded, with most lacking formal CO education during fellowship.
- Only 18% practice in centers with dedicated CO teams or experts.
- The majority expressed interest in further CO education.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular care for pregnant patients in LATAM is currently suboptimal.
- A significant portion of cardiologists report insufficient CO training and discomfort managing these patients.
- There is a clear need for enhanced CO education and resources in the region.
Background:
Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a leading cause of death in pregnant women globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries including Latin America (LATAM), where there is lack of data on how cardiologists are trained in cardio-obstetrics (CO) and the practice patterns in the care of pregnant patients.
Objectives:
The authors aimed to identify CO competency and practice patterns among LATAM general cardiologists.
Methods:
An anonymous cross-sectional Google-based electronic survey was sent via email to clinical cardiologists through local American College of Cardiology chapters and CV societies. Demographics, prior CO training, and practice patterns related to pregnant patients with CV disease were assessed.
Results:
A total of 464 participants responded: 53% male, 52.5% from Central America and the Caribbean, 36.5% from South America, and 11% from Mexico. Most (67%) had not received didactic education in CO during fellowship; the majority expressed interest in participation in educational activities on this field, and only 18% reported practicing in centers equipped with CO teams or experts. Specific characteristics of CO practices in the region are shown in the figures.
Conclusions:
Based on this survey, the CV care and follow-up of pregnant patients in LATAM is suboptimal; most cardiologists report lack of CO formal education during training and feel uncomfortable providing care during pregnancy although expressed interest in enhancing their knowledge in this field.
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