Cardiac diseases are a prominent cause of pregnancy-related complications. They can lead to lethal outcomes for both the mother and the baby. Here, the leading high-risk pregnancy specialist in Dumdum outlines the impact of cardiovascular diseases and how it is possible to forge ahead toward a successful pregnancy, despite the threats imposed by heart diseases.
Pregnancy is a time of turbulent change in a woman’s body, and her heart is no exception. Her heart must work harder to pump blood to the growing fetus, and this can put a strain on the cardiovascular system. For women with underlying heart disease, pregnancy can be an extremely risky venture.
Types of Heart Disease in Pregnancy
There are many different types of heart disease that can grip pregnant women. Some of the most common include:
- Valvular heart disease: This is a condition that affects the valves in the heart. Valvular heart disease can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired (developed later in life). People with artificial valves might need special care during their pregnancy.
- Congenital heart defects: These are heart defects that are present from birth. Congenital heart defects could be from mild to severe and connoted by abnormal heartbeat as well as cardiac failure.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure is a common problem in pregnancy, and it can put a strain on the heart. Depending on the period of onset, hypertension is classified into four kinds: gestational, preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia.
- Cardiomyopathy: This is a condition that significantly weakens the heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy can be triggered by a number of factors, including pregnancy. It is considered one of the leading causes of serious complications and even death during pregnancy. A variation of the disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, causes unusual tissue thinning and expansion in your heart’s core, leading to heart failure during pregnancy.
Symptoms of Heart Disease in Pregnancy
The symptoms of heart disease in pregnancy can vary depending on the type of heart disease and the severity of the condition. Here, the best gynecologist states some of the most common symptoms:
- Chest pain: This is a common symptom of heart disease in general, and it can also occur during pregnancy.
- Shortness of breath: This is another common symptom of heart disease, and it can be especially troublesome during pregnancy.
- Palpitations: This is a feeling of the heart racing or fluttering.
- Light-headedness: This is a feeling of dizziness or faintness.
- Swelling: Swollen veins in your neck or jugular venous distension is yet another red flag of cardiovascular problems during pregnancy.
If you experience any of these symptoms during pregnancy, it is important to see the best pregnancy specialist right away. Most cardiovascular diseases can be managed with a combination of lifestyle management and your physician’s guidance.
Some heart disease medications could be unsafe during pregnancy, including ACE inhibitors and anticoagulant medications. You should not self-medicate during this time. Consult a high-risk pregnancy specialist and submit yourself under the latter’s guidance.