Cardio-Obstetrics

What we treat

Pregnancy brings significant changes to the body, including increased blood volume, hormonal shifts and changes in blood pressure, which can raise the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Cardio-obstetrics focuses on identifying and managing these risks to protect the health of both parent and baby. This specialized care is designed for individuals with:

• Pre-existing heart conditions such as congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease or aortic disease.
• Pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders.
• Cardiovascular health needs during and after pregnancy, ensuring proper assessment and management to reduce risks and promote long-term well-being.

Conditions

• Aortic disease
• Arrhythmia
• Cardiomyopathies
• Congenital heart defects
• Coronary artery disease
• Hypertensive disorders (high blood pressure)
• Preeclampsia
• Heart valve diseases

What to expect at your appointment

• You will meet with a cardio-obstetrics provider who will gather your medical history and ask you questions about your health background, review your test results, conduct a physical exam and discuss your health status. Based on this, your care team will provide an evaluation and a personalized care plan.
• Depending on your condition and medical history, you may need further testing, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (echo), blood tests, ultrasound, exercise stress test, arrhythmia monitoring or other assessments.
• You will meet with both a cardiologist and an obstetrician/gynecologist, who will review your medical information and test results, conduct a physical exam and discuss your health status. You will also consult with a genetic specialist and a nutritionist. Based on this, your care team will provide an evaluation and a personalized care plan.
• If you require additional consultations with other members of the cardio-obstetrics team, these appointments will be arranged either before your visit or on the same day.

Follow-up care

Your care team will inform you of the recommended follow-up schedule based on your evaluation and treatment plan. In addition to in-person visits, telephone follow-ups may also be available.