Considerations for specific cardiomyopathies during pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose of review Maternal mortality in the United States continues to increase. Cardiovascular disease, and in particular, cardiomyopathy and heart failure, serves as one of the principal causes of pregnancy-related mortality. The goal of this review is to summarize current knowledge on various cardiomyopathies in pregnancy, with an emphasis on cardiomyopathies beyond the most common in pregnancy, peripartum cardiomyopathy. Recent findings Although existing literature is somewhat limited, outcome studies of cardiomyopathy in pregnancy have demonstrated increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events and maternal morbidity and mortality. Herein, we review and synthesize recent studies focusing on preconception risk and counseling, pharmacologic management, and maternal outcomes in various cardiomyopathies during pregnancy including: dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, noncompaction cardiomyopathy, and chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy. Summary In an effort to optimize maternal outcomes, it is critical to recognize the risk associated with various cardiomyopathies in pregnancy and understand the tools for risk stratification and antepartum management. Further research on less common cardiomyopathies in pregnancy is warranted to provide more standardized recommendations.