gynecology and obstetrics
Heart Disease in Pregnancy
Symptoms and Signs of Heart Disease in Pregnancy
Findings resembling Heart Failure (HF) (eg, mild dyspnea, systolic murmurs, jugular venous distention, tachycardia, dependent edema, mild cardiomegaly seen on chest x-ray) typically occur during normal pregnancy or may result from heart disease. Diastolic or presystolic murmurs are more specific for heart disease. Heart failure can cause premature labor or arrhythmias. Risk of maternal or fetal death correlates with New York Heart Association (NHYA) functional classification, which is based on the amount of physical activity that causes symptoms of heart failure. Risk is increased only if symptoms Occur during mild exertion (NYHA class III) Occur during minimal or no exertion (NYHA class IV) 