Maternal heart disease complicates between 1% to 4% of pregnancies and accounts for up to 15% of maternal deaths, which is higher than average compared to the general population. While leading causes of maternal mortality such as hemorrhage and infection are declining, mortality due to maternal heart disease is increasing and in developed countries, heart disease is now the leading cause of maternal mortality.
The risk of complications in pregnancy depends on the underlying cardiovascular disease, ventricular function, functional class, valvular function, presence of cyanosis, pulmonary artery pressures, and other factors.
Disease-specific risk should be assessed using the modified World Health Organization (mWHO) classification in all patients with cardiovascular diseases of childbearing age and before conception.
A multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics team should ensure appropriate monitoring during pregnancy in all patients with cardiovascular diseases, plan for labor and delivery, and ensure close follow-up throughout pregnancy and postpartum period to improve maternal and foetal outcomes
AIM:
The aim of the study was to identify clinical characteristics and disease-specific outcomes in pregnant women with structural heart disease and to risk stratify these women.