How to set up a pregnancy heart team

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Obstetrics
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of pregnancy complications and mortality.
• Fragmented care for pregnant women with CVD leads to suboptimal outcomes.
• European Society of Cardiology guidelines advocate for multidisciplinary pregnancy heart teams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and organization of a pregnancy heart team.
• To provide integrated, multidisciplinary care for pregnant women with CVD.
• To improve maternal and fetal outcomes in this high-risk population.

Main Methods:

• Established a core team: cardio-obstetrician, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, obstetric anesthesiologist.
• Integrated care through preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum consultations.
• Utilized modified World Health Organization (mWHO) classification for risk assessment and management planning.
• Emphasized shared decision-making and individualized peripartum care plans.

Main Results:

• The pregnancy heart team model ensures continuity of care.
• Structured risk assessment and individualized plans optimize management.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration addresses complex maternal and fetal needs.

Conclusions:

• A structured, multidisciplinary pregnancy heart team is a practical framework for managing pregnant women with CVD.
• This integrated model enhances care coordination and aims to improve outcomes.
• Implementation of such teams aligns with current clinical guidelines for high-risk pregnancies.