A Clinical Study 0n Pregnancy Complicated by Heart Disease and Its Outcome

Abstract

Objective: To study the proportion and different types of heart diseases among pregnant women and the effect of various heart diseases on maternal health in a tertiary care center.

Methods: This was an observational, hospital-based retrospective and a prospective study conducted from 2014-2019. 86 antenatal women admitted with cardiac disease were incorporated into the study throughout the study period. The study population was evaluated for cardiac diseases through a detailed history, examination, routine and special investigations (ECG, 2D-ECHO), course of the current pregnancy, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 17.0.

Results: The incidence of cardiac disease was 0.3%. 59.3% of women with cardiac disease were multigravida. 81.4% of women had not undergone any cardiac interventions in the past and balloon mitral valvotomy was the commonest intervention performed for those who had cardiac interventions. The majority of women had rheumatic cardiac diseases and delivered between 36 - 38 weeks of POG during the study period. 16 of 86 women had complications and 10 required ICU care. 4 mortalities were noted due to cardiac failure.

Conclusion: Preconceptional counseling, accurate diagnosis, and regular antenatal visits play a key role in managing high-risk pregnancies complicated by heart disease.