Heart disease during pregnancy can present serious health risks to the foetus as well as the mother. Pregnancy is an exciting and joyful time, but it also places a great deal of strain on a woman's body, especially the heart. Pregnant women may experience heart-related complications or worsening symptoms if they already have heart disease. To ensure a safe pregnancy, pregnant moms, healthcare providers, and families must be aware of the dangers and recognise the early symptoms.
Types of heart disease in pregnancy
According to Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary, Clinical Director, Cardiology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, pregnancy can either trigger or worsen certain heart conditions, and these include:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD)
Certain women may be born with a congenital cardiac defect that continues throughout adulthood. Pregnancy can put additional strain on the heart, increasing the risk of problems even though many CHD disorders are treated in childhood.
- Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)
PPCM is a rare but severe form of heart failure that occurs during the last month of pregnancy or within five months postpartum. Symptoms include shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue, often mistaken for typical pregnancy-related discomfort.
- Hypertensive disorders
Hypertension during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, can severely strain the heart. It may lead to complications like heart failure, stroke, or placental abruption if left untreated.
Valvular heart disease
Pregnancy can worsen existing valve disease, where the heart valves don't function properly. This may lead to heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and, in severe cases, heart failure.
Risks for expecting mothers
Dr Chaudhary says that women with heart disease face a range of risks during pregnancy, including:
- Heart failure
Increased blood volume during pregnancy forces the heart to work harder, making it susceptible to failure in women with pre-existing conditions or undiagnosed issues like PPCM.
- Arrhythmias
Pregnancy can trigger abnormal heart rhythms, especially in women with existing heart disease. These arrhythmias can lead to dizziness, fainting, and, in extreme cases, cardiac arrest.
- Preterm birth
Heart disease increases the risk of preterm labour, which can result in complications for the baby, including underdeveloped organs and the need for prolonged neonatal care.
- Stroke
Hypertensive heart conditions can increase the risk of stroke, a life-threatening complication that may affect both the mother and baby’s health.
Also see | Boost heart health: 8 habits to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, manage weight
Managing heart disease during pregnancy
Before getting pregnant, women who are known to have cardiac disease or who are at risk should speak with their doctor to ensure appropriate planning. Pregnancy-related management could involve:
- Frequent Monitoring: To keep an eye on heart function, schedule routine check-ups with an obstetrician and cardiologist.
- Medication: Safe cardiac medicines may be provided to treat issues without harming the unborn child.
- Lifestyle modifications: Reducing sodium intake, avoiding prolonged physical stress, and keeping a balanced diet can all assist in lessening the burden on the heart.
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