Aortic Dissection For the expectant mother, there is an increased risk of aortic dissection because of the histologic and hemodynamic changes that occur during pregnancy. Histologic changes in the aortic wall include fragmentation of the reticulum fibers, diminished mucopolysaccharides, and…
Pregnancy dramatically increases the demands on a woman’s heart. Both stroke volume and cardiac output increase significantly in response to a number of factors, including increased oxygen demands by the growing fetus, the enlarging breasts, and the enlarging uterus; increased…
The pathologic changes that occur in women with cardiac disease may have major implications during pregnancy and delivery. This chapter discusses, in general terms, the potential complications that may occur related to cardiovascular pathology and suggests some management strategies. Between…
Pregnant women with heart disease have an increased risk of both maternal and fetal complications. Given that an estimated 1 million women in the United States have underlying congenital heart disease, the likelihood that a health care provider will care…
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The many physiologic changes that occur in pregnancy are reflected in the cardiac physical examination. In this chapter, we note changes the practitioner should expect and the timing of those changes, with respect to respiratory rate and pattern, chest wall,…
For women with cardiac disease, the physiologic changes associated with pregnancy can impact the health of the mother and baby and affect the course of gestation and delivery. Many of these normal changes are driven by hormonal alterations initiated by…