Congenital heart disease and pregnancy: maternal and fetal risks.
Women with congenital heart disease (CHD) now comprise most patients with heart disease seen during pregnancy, accounting for 80% of all patients. In general, pregnancy is well tolerated in patients with CHD. For some women with particularly high-risk lesions and poor functional class, however, pregnancy poses significant risk for cardiovascular complications, including premature death. As result, preconception counseling and risk stratification are mandatory and should be done in all women of childbearing age with CHD.
Earing
Michael G
MG
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, Herma Heart Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9000 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. mearing@mcw.edu
Webb
Gary D
GD
D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012307:Risk Factors