Antiarrhythmic drugs in pregnancy

Abstract

The risk of arrhythmia development or recurrence is increased during pregnancy. For those arrhythmias that are unresponsive to conservative therapy, such as vagal maneuvers or life style interventions, or that present a higher risk to the mother or fetus, medical therapy may be necessary. In each case, the patient and provider must carefully consider the risks and benefits of a particular therapy. This requires an understanding of the data regarding the safety and efficacy of any particular drug, which in some cases may be extensive and in others quite limited. Fortunately, options exist for the treatment of arrhythmias during pregnancy.

KEYWORDS:

• pregnancy
• arrhythmias
• antiarrhythmic drugs
• fetal outcomes
• beta-blocker
• adenosine
• flecainide
• sotalol
• digoxin

ORCID

Michael E. Field http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0603-9670