Cardiovascular Testing and Imaging in Pregnant Women

Alina Brener; Joan Briller

doi:10.1016/j.ccl.2020.09.003

Cardiovascular Testing and Imaging in Pregnant Women

Cardiol Clin. 2021 Feb;39(1):21-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2020.09.003.

Authors

Alina Brener¹, Joan Briller²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Cardiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 South Wood Street (MC 715), Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
² Division of Cardiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 South Wood Street (MC 715), Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Electronic address: briller@uic.edu.

PMID: 33222812
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2020.09.003

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality and frequently preventable. Women with known cardiovascular disease should undergo cardiac evaluation before pregnancy. Many women with pregnancy-associated cardiac complications are not previously known to have cardiac disease. Women at high risk or who have signs or symptoms suggestive of heart failure, angina, or arrhythmias should undergo prompt evaluation. This article describes various diagnostic imaging modalities that can be used in pregnancy, including indications, strengths, and limitations.

Keywords: Cardiac catheterization; Cardiovascular imaging; Coronary angiography; ECG; Echocardiography; Ionizing radiation; MRI; Pregnancy.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cardiac Imaging Techniques / methods*
Female
Heart Diseases / diagnosis*
Humans
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / diagnosis*
Risk Adjustment / methods