Coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction in pregnancy: a review of epidemiology, diagnosis, and medical and surgical management

Abstract

Ischemic heart disease is uncommon during pregnancy, occurring in approximately one in 10,000 live births. With the increasing age and fertility of mothers, the incidence of coronary artery disease in pregnancy is likely to increase. Atherosclerosis appears to be the most common cause of acute myocardial infarction, although coronary spasm, coronary dissection and thrombus have been reported, among others. The diagnosis of ischemic heart disease in the pregnant population can be challenging and not without risk to the fetus. Although there have been many reports of acute myocardial infarction and cardiopulmonary bypass surgery during pregnancy, most knowledge is based on anecdotal reports. Even less is known about the use of thrombolytics, percutaneous coronary intervention and the optimal medical management of ischemic heart disease during pregnancy. The epidemiology, diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment, and prognosis of ischemic heart disease in pregnancy are the subject of the present review.