Contraception for women with heart disease

Abstract

There is a lack of studies dealing specifically with contraceptive use in women with heart disease. This may generate doubts in professionals counseling on the patient's risk of pregnancy as a function of her cardiomyopathy. Moreover, uncertainties may arise with respect to the optimal contraceptive choice for each individual case. In view of the increasing number of women of reproductive age with cardiac disease, this review aims at providing practical guidance for clinicians, including cardiologists, obstetricians, general practitioners and family planning specialists, with regards to safe contraceptive choices and counseling on the risk of pregnancy in women with heart disease.