Cardiac disease in pregnancy: When to raise the ‘red flag’

Abstract

Cardiac disease in pregnancy is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and is the second most common cause of indirect maternal death in South Africa. Although most women with cardiac disease cope well throughout pregnancy, some conditions are associated with an increased risk. Appropriate management of cardiac disease in pregnancy requires expert assessment, risk categorisation and ongoing care. The objective of this article is to assist clinicians to identify and modify risk factors associated with cardiac disease in pregnancy and thus reduce avoidable morbidity and mortality.