Cardiology for Pregnant Women
The Importance of Professional Cardiac Care for Pregnant Women
Most women look forward to the moment they see two lines on a pregnancy test or receive confirmation from a blood test. For women with cardiovascular diseases, however, pregnancy can be fraught with concerns and anxieties about the future. Even in a healthy pregnancy without heart issues, the heart undergoes significant strain due to several key factors:
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Increased blood volume: During pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume increases by 30-50% to supply the baby and placenta. This added volume places extra strain on the heart, which must pump more blood each minute.
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During pregnancy, blood pressure drops and heart rate increases, while physiological anemia also develops.
As a result of these factors, the heart works harder during pregnancy, which can lead to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fatigue. For healthy women, these symptoms do not usually indicate a problem, but pregnant women with heart conditions should be monitored by a specialist cardiologist, undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, receive ongoing medical follow-up, be prescribed medication, and make special preparations for childbirth. Additionally, significant hormonal changes occur during pregnancy, and high levels of pregnancy hormones are associated with a prothrombotic state (increased clotting tendency), raising the risk of thromboembolic events (embolisms) during pregnancy.
Can Pregnancy Trigger Latent Heart Disease?
Pregnancy can indeed trigger latent heart disease or uncover an existing, previously undiagnosed cardiac condition. The physiological changes and added strain on the cardiovascular system during pregnancy can expose hidden issues and exacerbate them. For instance, the increased pressures associated with pregnancy can significantly heighten the risk of symptomatic exacerbation. Additionally, congenital heart defects that did not pose any problems prior to pregnancy (or were undetected) may manifest during pregnancy, as the increased strain on the heart can lead to the onset of symptoms.
These situations underscore the importance of a thorough cardiological evaluation both before and during pregnancy. Early detection of latent issues allows for the implementation of appropriate preparations and treatments to prevent complications for both mother and baby. An experienced cardiologist skilled in managing pregnancies can safely guide the pregnancy toward a healthy delivery.
How are Cardiac Issues Identified in Time?
The identification of cardiac issues during pregnancy is possible through several tests, including medical history taken at the beginning of pregnancy, a physical examination that includes measuring blood pressure, listening to the heart, and checking for swelling in the legs, pregnancy monitoring, and detecting any abnormal signs such as shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, sudden swelling of the legs or face, rapid weight gain, or extreme fatigue. Early identification of cardiac risks enables timely preventive treatment, preventing the condition from worsening and allowing for the precise selection of an appropriate treatment strategy.
Your Cardiologist’s Expertise and Experience are Critical for a Safe Pregnancy
A cardiologist with experience in managing pregnancies plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of a complicated pregnancy from a cardiovascular perspective. Their ability to identify significant signs, diagnose conditions, and implement a safe treatment plan, while considering the health of both the mother and baby, relies heavily on extensive clinical experience.