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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
04:36
Noninvasive Electrocardiography in the Perinatal Mouse
Published on: June 12, 2020
Using a cardiac registry to highlight multidisciplinary care in pregnancy
Aoibhinn Smyth1,2, C O'Brien3, M Higgins4
1UCD Perinatal Research Centre, Obstetrics and Gynaecology National Maternity Hospital University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. aoibhsmyth@gmail.com.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Early, structured care from a Pregnancy Heart Team (PHT) is crucial for managing cardiac disease in pregnancy. This approach, supported by a new registry, improves maternal and fetal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac disease in pregnancy poses significant risks to both mother and fetus.
- A cardiac registry systematically collects data to analyze outcomes and improve clinical protocols for pregnant women with cardiac conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a Pregnancy Heart Team (PHT) in managing pregnant women with cardiac disease.
- Utilize data from a new registry at the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) to assess PHT's role.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study analyzing data from a joint obstetric-cardiology clinic registry at NMH (January 2021 - September 2024).
- Collected data included demographics, cardiac diagnoses, risk classification (mWHO), and maternal/neonatal outcomes.
- Included pregnant and pre-pregnancy patients.
Main Results:
- 111 women with cardiac disease were included, covering 153 pregnancies.
- Rhythm disorders were the most common diagnosis (60.3%). Most women (87.6%) had pre-existing cardiac disease.
- 16.4% experienced cardiac events, primarily in the third trimester, identified as a high-risk period.
Conclusions:
- Early and structured care provided by a Pregnancy Heart Team (PHT) is essential.
- Registry findings underscore the importance of PHT for optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by cardiac disease.
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