Alyson J McGregor1, Rebecca Barron2, Karen Rosene-Montella3. 1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903. Electronic address: amcgregormd@gmail.com. 2. Department of Emergency Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903. 3. Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular emergencies in pregnant patients are often considered a rare event; however, heart disease as a cause of maternal mortality is steadily increasing. DISCUSSION: In this article, we review 3 common cardiovascular emergencies and the important subtle differences in their treatment in the pregnant patient: peripartum/postpartum cardiomyopathy, acute myocardial infarction, and cardiac resuscitation. CONCLUSION: Managing these conditions in the emergency department setting requires a high index of suspicion, knowledge of anatomical and physiologic changes associated with pregnancy, and updated management strategies related to optimizing maternal and fetal health.
BACKGROUND:Cardiovascular emergencies in pregnant patients are often considered a rare event; however, heart disease as a cause of maternal mortality is steadily increasing. DISCUSSION: In this article, we review 3 common cardiovascular emergencies and the important subtle differences in their treatment in the pregnant patient: peripartum/postpartum cardiomyopathy, acute myocardial infarction, and cardiac resuscitation. CONCLUSION: Managing these conditions in the emergency department setting requires a high index of suspicion, knowledge of anatomical and physiologic changes associated with pregnancy, and updated management strategies related to optimizing maternal and fetal health.