Cardiac Considerations for the Obstetric Patient

Abstract

Pregnancy and heart disease present a unique challenge to the anesthesiologist. Pregnancy results in physiological changes to the parturient's cardiovascular system that can unmask or worsen underlying heart disease. To avoid untoward complications resulting in significant maternal and/or fetal morbidity or mortality, the anesthesiologist must be knowledgeable about the progression of heart disease during pregnancy. Discussed are the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and anesthetic management of valvular, congenital, vascular, and ischemic heart disease, and cardiomyopathy in pregnancy.