Pregnancy and congenital heart disease

Article Abstract:

The effect of congenital heart disease, or birth-related heart abnormalities, on pregnancy is of increasing concern because surgical repair of the abnormal heart has increased the number of women who reach reproductive age. The most serious forms of congenital heart disease involve pulmonary hypertension, or abnormally high blood pressure within the lung, and are associated with an increased risk of maternal death. Complex forms of cyanotic heart disease, which are associated with reduced amounts of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment of the blood, also endanger the mother's life. Tetralogy of Fallot is a common congenital condition that consists of a defect in the wall of tissue separating the two ventricles, narrowing of the blood vessel supplying the lung, abnormal positioning of the aorta, and enlargement of the right ventricle. Children born to women with congenital heart disease have an increased risk of developing cardiac defects. Monitoring the fetus by echocardiography (using sound waves to visualize internal structures) permits early diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities. Optimal care of pregnant women with congenital heart disease requires the collaboration of various medical specialists, including obstetrics, cardiology, internal medicine, pediatrics, and radiology. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Complications and side effects, Congenital heart disease, Congenital heart defects, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications

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Blood flow to the heart varies during the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women with heart disease

Article Abstract:

Chest pain in women with variant angina is most likely to occur at the beginning of the menstrual cycle and least likely to occur during ovulation in mid-cycle. Estrogen levels are lowest at the beginning of the menstrual cycle and highest at ovulation.

Health aspects, Physiological aspects, Menstrual cycle, Angina pectoris

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