The Cardio-Obstetrics Program at Northside Hospital Heart Institute is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between maternal-fetal medicine specialists, anesthesiology, nursing, advanced practitioners and the expertise of our cardiologists. Cardiovascular conditions that commonly put pregnant women at high-risk will benefit from the coordinated and collaborative efforts of our cardio-obstetrics team. Our team of experts provide cardiac care and education for women before, during and post-pregnancy.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a group of conditions, defined as pre-pregnancy (chronic) or pregnancy-associated hypertension that commonly affect pregnant and postpartum women. HDP’s continue to be one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related death in the United States.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but severe heart condition that can occur anytime during the second half of pregnancy or in the several months following delivery. It happens when the heart muscle becomes weakened, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
Preeclampsia is persistent high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy or the postpartum period and is often associated with high levels of protein in the urine OR the new development of decreased blood platelets, trouble with the kidneys or liver, fluid in the lungs, or signs of brain trouble such as seizures and/or visual disturbances.