Structural Heart Diseases during Pregnancy: Part 1—Valvular Heart Diseases

Abstract

AbstractIt is estimated that about 3% pregnancies can have cardiac disease. There is wide variation in the spectrum of heart diseases. Pregnant women in India and other developing countries continue to show high prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Pre-conception counseling based on a good echocardiographic evaluation is the most cost-effective method to prevent morbidity and mortality due to valvular heart disease. With advances in medical science, many with valvular heart disease are living to adulthood and undergoing successful pregnancy. Symptoms of a pregnant woman with a valvular disease depend on the altered hemodynamics of the specific valvular lesion in combination with the physiologic changes inherent to the pregnancy itself. A good echocardiographic evaluation of all pregnant women on their first visit to an obstetrician’s office is an effective strategy to prevent morbidity and mortality from valvular heart diseases. In general, the regurgitant lesions are well tolerated during pregnancy and labor. Asymptomatic but significant valve lesions can be decompensated by many factors. Severely stenosed mitral and, sometimes, aortic valve may have to be balloon-dilated by trained experts in midterm taking due care to avoid excess radiation. Valve surgery is rarely performed in absence of any other safer option. A multidisciplinary team approach is required to manage a pregnant woman with significant cardiac lesion with high-risk features and patients having mechanical valves that require continuous anticoagulation.