title: Valvular heart disease and pregnancy. A high index of suspicion is important to reduce risks.
abstract: Pregnant women who have valvular disease represent a major challenge for physicians involved in their care. Careful history taking and physical examination, along with a judicious use of diagnostic tools (mainly echocardiography), can lead to better management and ultimately to excellent outcomes for both mother and baby.
authors.affiliation: Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Prasad
authors.forename: H O
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Ventura
mesh_terms: D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis; D008946:Mitral Valve Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin