Evaluation and Management of Maternal Cardiac Arrhythmias

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2016 Dec;43(4):729-745. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2016.07.014. Epub 2016 Oct 14.

Abstract

Pregnant women often complain of palpitations. The differential diagnosis for new-onset palpitations in pregnancy ranges from benign conditions to life-threatening arrhythmias. Maternal arrhythmias can occur in isolation or in the setting of underlying structural heart disease. Optimal management of maternal cardiac arrhythmias includes identification of the specific arrhythmia, diagnosis of comorbid conditions, and appropriate intervention. In general, management of maternal cardiac arrhythmias is similar to that of the general population. Special consideration must be given as to the effects of medications and procedures on both the mother and fetus to optimize outcomes. The importance of multidisciplinary care with cardiology, obstetrics, and anesthesia is emphasized.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; Cardiac; Maternal; Pregnancy; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac* / diagnosis
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac* / physiopathology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Management* / methods
  • Patient Care Management* / standards
  • Patient Care Team
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular* / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular* / therapy
  • Pregnancy Outcome