Cardiac illnesses are problems that need specific medical treatment and are regarded as high-risk pregnancy issues. We must overlook the fact that women may be at risk for cardiovascular disorders throughout their pregnancy, even if pregnancy-specific cardiac conditions are not particularly prevalent. A research conducted by the Government of the United States’ National Centre for Biotechnology Information found that 0.2% of pregnant women experience pregnancy difficulties as a result of heart conditions. The number may increase to 8% if hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are taken into account as well.
Pregnancy-related heart issues are typically a complication of preexisting conditions. Diabetes and hypertension raise the likelihood of developing these dangerous pregnancy disorders. Pregnancy causes significant hormonal and physiological changes that increase a woman’s risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, it is concerning to note that heart problems are high-risk obstetric conditions since they increase the death rate of pregnant women.
Significant Heart-Related Issues During Pregnancy
Complications may arise from heart issues that predate pregnancy or from those that arise during pregnancy. Let’s examine the main heart conditions that pregnant women may have.
During pregnancy, the following underlying heart conditions may raise risk:
Congenital Heart illnesses: There’s a good risk that congenital heart illnesses, or cardiac conditions that develop at birth, could cause problems during pregnancy. Pulmonary valve stenosis, atrial and ventricular septal defects, aortic valve stenosis, and others are among them.
Cardiomyopathy: This disorder impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood to different areas of the body by affecting the heart’s muscles. During pregnancy, cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of problems and fatalities.
Heart valve diseases: Include conditions including aortic valve regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse, mitral valve stenosis, and others that affect the heart valve and can range in severity. Pregnant women with these problems need special attention.
Aortic disease: Conditions affecting the aorta are also referred to as aortopathy. Women who are already dealing with these diseases may experience more complications during their pregnancies.
Pregnancy can cause the following heart problems:
Arrhythmias: The disorder known as arrhythmias is characterized by irregular heartbeats. These erratic heartbeats can occasionally be innocuous. However, the likelihood of problems increases when arrhythmias coexist with congenital cardiac disorders.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD): The high-risk condition known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) occurs when one or more arteries suddenly rupture. Women typically suffer from this condition after giving delivery.
Myocardial ischemia: A key contributing factor to heart attacks in pregnant women is myocardial ischemia, a condition in which the heart does not receive enough blood.
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Women experiencing peripartum cardiomyopathy typically exhibit symptoms in the latter phases of their pregnancies or in the early postpartum period. This disorder can result in heart failure because it typically stops the heart from pumping enough blood.
It is advised to see a doctor if experiencing extraordinary weakness, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet or ankles, etc., even if these symptoms are typical during pregnancy. Controlling the risk of complications may be possible with early identification of heart problems. You must specialize in high-risk obstetrics care to manage such high-risk pregnant patients.
As an obstetrician, you can enhance your understanding and proficiency in high-risk pregnancy care by enrolling in StyudyHRO’s High-Risk Obstetrics course.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.