If you or a loved one is expecting and are at risk for cardiovascular disease, we look forward to working with you and your obstetrician to provide the care and support you need to have a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
Our program's physicians practice at either Inova Cardiology or Virginia Heart outpatient offices located in Alexandria, Ashburn, Arlington, Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Loudoun, Mount Vernon and Vienna. To schedule call 571-472-2932.
Pregnancy is a time of significant physiological changes that can put extra stress on the cardiovascular system. Women with preexisting cardiovascular conditions, or who have a family history of heart disease, are at higher risk of developing complications during pregnancy. The cardio-obstetrics program at Inova was developed to help identify and manage these at-risk patients to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Women with preexisting cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias and congenital heart disease are at higher risk of developing complications during pregnancy. Other risk factors include a family history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, advanced maternal age and preeclampsia. Non-Latina Black women have the highest risk of pregnancy-related heart problems in the U.S.
If you experience include shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, swelling of the legs and ankles, or a rapid, strong or irregular heartbeat, please discuss these symptoms with your obstetrician.
With added pressure on the heart from increased blood volume during pregnancy to support a growing fetus, the heart rate increases and sometimes reveals previously undetected cardiovascular conditions. Research shows up to 4 percent of all pregnant women have or develop heart disease during pregnancy and that number is increasing.
Cardiovascular disease is responsible for a significant portion of pregnancy-related deaths and is one of the leading causes of death both during pregnancy and in the year after giving birth. But most of these deaths are avoidable using preventive measures, early detection and the right treatment.
Benefits include personalized care, expert management of cardiovascular risks, and improved outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Patients may continue to be seen by a cardiologist following childbirth to monitor their heart health.
Our Cardio-Obstetric cardiologists work in close partnership with our Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists (perinatologists) to provide expert management of cardiovascular issues for high-risk women before, during and following pregnancy. Your perinatologist will coordinate care with a cardio-obstetrics specialist for you if needed, depending on your specific case.
The Cardio-obstetric team are cardiologists who have completed and participate in ongoing educational training focused on heart health during pregnancy and following childbirth.
Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, swelling of the legs and ankles, or a rapid, strong or irregular heartbeat should be discussed with your obstetrician.
A combination of physical exams, imaging tests and blood tests can determine if cardiovascular disease is present.
Treatment may include the use of medications, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, stress reduction and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
The potential risks of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy include preeclampsia, preterm delivery, heart failure and maternal mortality.
The frequency of visits depends on the individual patient's needs and risk factors. Patients are typically seen more frequently than in a standard pregnancy.
Your perinatologist will coordinate care with a cardio-obstetrics specialist for you if needed, depending on your specific case.
We understand that managing cardiovascular health during pregnancy and the postpartum period can be overwhelming. That’s why we have compiled a list of resources to assist, educate and inform mothers needing more information about cardio-obstetrics. These resources provide helpful information on topics such as managing cardiovascular risks during pregnancy, understanding congenital and heritable disorders, understanding lifestyle modifications, and more.
Our goal is to provide our patients with the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health and to feel empowered throughout their pregnancy and the postpartum period.
