Cardio-Obstetrics

Cardiovascular complications remain a very significant risk for maternal mortality in the United States. Preeclampsia, hypertension (high blood pressure), gestational diabetes and preterm birth have all been associated with increased maternal cardiovascular risk later in life.

UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute is one of a select few places in the country with an established cardio-obstetrics program – where physicians from multiple specialties collaborate on complex cases to ensure the best possible outcomes. The program was launched in 2015 in collaboration with colleagues from University Hospitals MacDonald Women’s and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s.

Our cardio-obstetrics program focuses on timely and comprehensive evaluation from preconception planning to close monitoring throughout pregnancy and post-partum care. The team includes doctors in cardiovascular medicine, maternal fetal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, advanced imaging, adult congenital cardiology, heart failure cardiology, cardiac surgery, cardiac intensive care and anesthesiology.

Who Should Consider a Cardio-Obstetrics Consult?

Women who want to become pregnant, or who are pregnant, and have a preexisting cardiovascular condition, such as:

• Heart valve disease such as bicuspid aortic valve, aortic stenosis or mitral stenosis
• Born with a heart anomaly like tetralogy of Fallot, hypoplastic left heart syndrome or congenital heart block
• Heart failure, cardiomyopathy or prior peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)
• Abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias
• History of heart attacks

Women who develop heart disease during pregnancy, such as:

• PPCM
• Preeclampsia

Women who want to become pregnant, or who are pregnant, and have heart disease risk factors, such as:

• Obesity
• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidemia
• Diabetes

Benefits of Choosing UH Cardio-Obstetrics Program

Dedicated team: Representatives from each specialty assemble to outline a safe and thorough delivery plan for each patient. The team considers all potential scenarios so every member is prepared to provide the best care.

Combined appointments: Expectant mothers can have both prenatal and heart scans performed during one appointment. Office visits can be synced to see OB/GYN and cardiologist during one appointment, too.

One site for labor and delivery: Mothers deliver their baby in the best surroundings, with all specialists on one campus, to avoid the need for transfer or separation between mom and baby.