Cardiovascular problems in pregnancy

ABSTRACT

The past two décades have witnessed major advances in the treatment of the pregnant woman with a cardiovascular disorder. A greater awareness of the physiologic burden that pregnancy places upon the already compromised cardiovascular system has led to more accurate preconception counseling and itnproved surgical and medical cáre of these patients. The authors present a current overall review of the subject, including acquired and congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, management of prosthetic valves during pregnancy, common drugs encountered, and peripartum cardiomyopathy.