Heart Failure and Pregnancy: Thinking Beyond Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States, accounting for more than 25% of maternal deaths. 1 Trends in pregnancy-related mortality in the United States: 1987-2016. 2019;2019. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternal-mortality/pregnancy-mortality-surveillance-system.htm#trends Google Scholar Cardiomyopathy accounts for 11% of overall maternal deaths, and 32% of late maternal deaths. 1 Trends in pregnancy-related mortality in the United States: 1987-2016. 2019;2019. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternal-mortality/pregnancy-mortality-surveillance-system.htm#trends Google Scholar ,2 D'Oria R, Downs K, Trierweiler K. Report from Maternal Mortality Review Committees: a view into their critical role. 2017;2020. https://www.cdcfoundation.org/sites/default/files/upload/pdf/MMRIAReport.pdf. Google Scholar Heart failure is also the most common indication for postpartum cardiovascular hospitalization. 3 Kuklina E. Callaghan W. Chronic heart disease and severe obstetric morbidity among hospitalisations for pregnancy in the USA: 1995-2006. BJOG. 2011; 118: 345-352 Crossref PubMed Scopus (86) Google Scholar Early identification of women who are at risk of developing heart failure symptoms and prompt recognition and treatment of symptomatic heart failure are critical steps in addressing the cardiovascular contribution to maternal morbidity and mortality.