Women's Health

February is American Heart Month, a timely opportunity to reflect on heart health, especially for women who are pregnant. During pregnancy, a mother’s heart works 1 1/2 to 2 times harder than normal. That’s a strain on anyone’s body. But if your heart is already compromised, the consequences may be life-threatening for both you and your unborn child.

Heart conditions affect fewer than 1% of pregnant women, but it is important to recognize symptoms, especially in those who have not yet been diagnosed.
 
Pre-pregnancy heart tips:
>> Get a thorough physical to check for any pre-existing conditions that can be treated prior to conception.

>> Lose weight if you are overweight, as extra pounds put an extra strain on the heart.

>> Develop good eating habits that promote heart health, and continue to eat a healthy diet after you become pregnant.

>> If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, get the condition under control before you conceive.
 
Be aware of pre-existing conditions
Pre-existing conditions generally fall into 2 categories:

Congenital conditions are problems you were born with, such as a hole in the heart, narrowing of 1 of the valves or an irregular heartbeat.

The other category consists of heart conditions related to untreated prior infections, such as rheumatic heart disease, most often seen in women who spent a considerable part of their lives in a developing country.

Underlying problems are often aggravated during pregnancy. It is normal for women to feel tired, or experience leg swelling or shortness of breath. But if a woman’s heart is already stressed, these symptoms may be particularly severe.

If you are unable to accomplish even simple tasks, such as making your bed or walking a short distance without fatigue, call your doctor for an evaluation.
     
If you have been pregnant before, compare the severity of your current symptoms to those you experienced during your previous pregnancy. If they are worse, see your doctor immediately, as you may have an undiagnosed heart condition.
     
Women who become pregnant in their 40s, especially those with diabetes or hypertension, may occasionally develop heart failure and require careful management.
 
Warning signs of heart disease:
Chest pain or pressure, dizziness or a fast heartbeat are often signs of a compromised heart. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or severe fatigue, swelling or shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.
     
Sometimes women who were considered low-risk prior to pregnancy voice complaints that are out of the ordinary. Don’t dismiss these complaints as a sign that you are being “overly sensitive.” It’s important to tell your doctor so that any concerns can be laid to rest, or any previously undiagnosed conditions can be brought to the surface and treated.
 
Post-delivery complications
The risk for heart problems does not end with the delivery of your baby. The mother’s heart undergoes a stressful period immediately following delivery and for a brief period afterward. The uterus begins shrinking, and the blood that has nurtured the baby enters the circulatory system. Eventually, this fluid is removed through the urine, but until that time, the heart is strained. Medical intervention may be needed to stabilize blood pressure.
 
Dr. Afshan Hameed is a board-certified cardiologist and high-risk obstetrician with UC Irvine Healthcare. To schedule an appointment, call 714.456.2911.