Obstetric cardiology: Pregnancy and heart health
Pregnancy puts extra stress on the heart and blood vessels. Even women who have never had heart problems may develop symptoms during pregnancy. Maternal cardiology and obstetric cardiology specialists help manage heart disease and pregnancy to keep both mother and baby safe.
At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, we diagnose and treat conditions such as:
- Aortic valve disease.
- Conditions that require blood thinners (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Jantoven).
- Congenital heart disease in adults.
- Connective tissue disorders, including Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- Coronary artery disease, including spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).
- Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias).
- Heart failure, including peripartum cardiomyopathy.
- Heart valve disease.
- High blood pressure (hypertension), including preeclampsia.
- Pulmonary hypertension.
How we evaluate your heart
Our experts schedule diagnostic tests quickly and guide you through each step. Your pregnancy heart team explains which tests you need and why.
Your personalised care plan may include:
- Echocardiogram.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rhythm monitoring.
- Exercise testing.
- Foetal ultrasound.
- Laboratory tests.
- MRI.
To ensure you get the exact care you need, your Mayo Clinic Healthcare consultant may refer you to a trusted health professional for advanced procedures, such as coronary angiogram, coronary angioplasty and stents.
Innovative research = The most advanced care
Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London collaborates closely with the Cardiovascular Obstetrics Clinic in the US to ensure you receive the most advanced care possible. The US clinic studies new ways to care for pregnant women with heart and blood vessel disease. Experts review past cases, evaluate current outcomes and use artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools to improve monitoring for both mother and baby. For example, Mayo Clinic physician-scientists are exploring how AI can help with early screening for heart disease.
Book your appointment
If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant and have concerns about your heart, contact us today. Our experienced obstetric cardiology specialists near you can help by providing expert obstetric cardiology care.
Request an appointment online or call us at +44 (0) 207 871 2575.