Women with valvular heart disease (VHD) are at a greater risk of developing cardiac decompensation because of the hemodynamic changes occurring during pregnancy such as elevated heart rate, stroke volume, and increased cardiac output. The risk of complications varies as per the type and severity of the VHD. This article focuses on risk assessment and management of native valve diseases during pregnancy. Pregnancy results in various hemodynamic changes and for women with VHD, it may lead to a higher risk of complications.
Stenotic lesions are usually not very well tolerated during pregnancy compared to the regurgitant ones. Evaluation and Risk Assessment Ideally, a woman with VHD should undergo a preconception assessment and counseling to be able to make an informed pregnancy decisions. For a woman who is unable to do so should be evaluated at the first antenatal visit. Preconception or…
