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Cardiac Considerations in Pregnancy: A Spotlight on Peripartum Cardiomyopathy and Pregnancy-Associated Spontaneous
Sarah Thordsen1, Joan Briller2, Meredith O Cruz3
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
Insights
Cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy, including peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary dissection (p-SCAD), are significant causes of maternal mortality. A multidisciplinary Cardio-Obstetric team approach is crucial for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.
- The field of Cardio-Obstetrics addresses acquired, metabolic, and congenital heart conditions in pregnancy.
- Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary dissection (p-SCAD) are critical conditions specific to pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the evolving landscape of Cardio-Obstetrics.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing and managing PPCM and p-SCAD.
- To underscore the necessity of a collaborative team approach in managing cardiovascular complications of pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on Cardio-Obstetrics.
- Analysis of the incidence and impact of PPCM and p-SCAD.
- Discussion of the multidisciplinary team approach.
Main Results:
- PPCM is a unique heart failure etiology in pregnant and postpartum women.
- p-SCAD is the primary cause of acute myocardial infarction in this population.
- Effective management necessitates expertise from various medical subspecialties.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular complications significantly impact pregnancy outcomes.
- Prompt evaluation of chest discomfort is vital.
- A coordinated Cardio-Obstetric team is essential for optimal patient care and improved outcomes.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases complicating pregnancies are major causes of peripartum morbidity and mortality. The field of Cardio-Obstetrics has evolved to treat women with acquired and metabolic-related cardiovascular diseases in addition to congenital heart disease. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a heart failure etiology specific to pregnant and post-partum women. Pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary dissection (p-SCAD) is the most common cause of acute myocardial infarction in the pregnant and post-partum population, highlighting the importance of evaluating chest discomfort. Adequate therapy for both PPCM and p-SCAD requires expertise from multiple medical subspecialities, which underscores the necessity of the Cardio-Obstetric team approach.
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