Acute Medicine | Cardiovascular | Causes, investigation and management of valvular disease in pregnancy

Causes, Investigation and Management of Valvular Disease in Pregnancy
Session Overview
Description
Valvular heart disease may be poorly tolerated in pregnancy; its recognition, assessment and management is detailed in this session.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Demonstrate that you understand the risks and management of pregnancy in aortic valve disease (AVD), mitral valve disease (MVD), pulmonary valve disease (PVD), and tricuspid valve disease (TVD)
• Demonstrate that you understand the risks and management of pregnancy in mechanical valves

Some forms of valvular heart disease are well tolerated in pregnancy, but others are associated with a high risk of maternal morbidity and mortality.

In general terms, regurgitant lesions are well tolerated as long as ventricular function is good. On the other hand, the hearts of women with significant valvular stenosis are less likely to be able to respond to the demands of pregnancy for an increased cardiac output. These women are more likely to develop symptoms during pregnancy and may need intervention before delivery.