Navigating Pregnancy in Congenital Heart Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Maternal Outcomes

Rimsha Ahmad1, William H Frishman1, Wilbert S Aronow2

  • 1From the Department of Medicine, Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY.

Cardiology in Review
|February 25, 2025
PubMed

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects approximately 0.5-1% of the population, with advancements in cardiovascular care enabling 97% of these individuals to survive to adulthood. Pregnancy in women with CHD presents with unique challenges due to increased hemodynamic demands and associated risks. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of maternal outcomes in women with CHD, focusing on the physiological changes during pregnancy, classification of CHD types, and their specific consequences. The review highlights significant complications within this population, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, thromboembolic events, and aortic dissection, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary management and individualized care. Despite considerable advancements, gaps in research persist, particularly in neonatal risk prediction and long-term maternal outcomes. Future directions prioritize the refinement of risk stratification models and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance care for this complex population.

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