Delivering Coordinated Cardio-Obstetric Care from Preconception through Postpartum

Abstract

Coordinated preconception through postpartum cardio-obstetrics care is necessary to optimize both maternal and fetal health. Maternal mortality in the United States is increasing, largely driven by increasing cardiovascular (CV) disease burden during pregnancy and needs to be addressed emergently. Both for women with congenital and acquired heart disease, CV complications during pregnancy are associated with increased future risk of CV disease. Comprehensive cardio-obstetrics care is a powerful way of ensuring that women's CV risks before and during pregnancy are appropriately identified and treated and that they remain engaged in CV care long term to prevent future CV complications.

Keywords: Cardio-obstetrics; Cardiovascular disease; Congenital heart disease; Coordinated care; Maternal mortality.