Cardiovascular disorders other than hypertension are rare in pregnancy

The authors agree.

Occasionally, the increased cardiac demands of pregnancy complicate antecedent heart disease. Mitral stenosis is the most common acquired heart disease to complicate pregnancy. Although congenital heart disease is usually detected and corrected prior to surgery, occasionally it is not. Atrial septal defects are tolerated well, while ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus and congenital aortic valve disease may be less well tolerated. Cyanotic congenital heart disease is poorly tolerated during pregnancy.

To obtain all feedback click on any unselected choices before proceeding.