Heart disease during pregnancy

PREVIEW

Heart disease during pregnancy can be challenging to cardiac specialists and primary care physicians alike. Normal cardiocirculatory changes of pregnancy can mimic disease, and some hypertensive conditions may arise for the first time during pregnancy. However, diagnostic testing must be approached with caution to avoid injury to the fetus. In this article, Dr Villablanca discusses normal findings in pregnant women, safe evaluation methods, and important aspects of chronic and gestational hypertension. Part 2 of this article, which describes cardiovascular changes during pregnancy that indicate disease, will appear in the November issue.