title: [The heart during pregnancy].
abstract: During pregnancy, there are a number of important changes to cardiovascular function which are necessary for progression of a successful pregnancy. Additionally, preexisting cardiovascular conditions can be exacerbated by the adaptations that occur during gestation. These can present serious therapeutic challenges in the management of the cardiology patient during pregnancy. Significantly, the number of pregnant women at risk of cardiovascular complications is on the rise, so identification of risk factors that predict cardiac outcomes is essential to proper screening of the obstetrical patient. In diagnosed preexisting conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension, counseling is important prior to pregnancy. In the case of underlying disorders unmasked by pregnancy, or new-onset complications like preeclampsia, appropriate monitoring and treatment of the cardiovascular complications is warranted. Ultimately, collaborative care by both obstetricians and cardiologists is essential for the successful resolution of cardiovascular dysfunction in the obstetrical patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Eric M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Joey P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Granger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000150:complications; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D008382:Marfan Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012016:Reference Values