Our Summary

This scientific paper focuses on heart disease in pregnant women, which is the main cause of maternal deaths in the UK. Some of the key reasons for heart-related deaths in expecting mothers are heart muscle disease, heart attack, ischemic heart disease, and aortic dissection. Additionally, women with untreated congenital heart disease or those who have undergone surgeries to treat it may face complications during their pregnancies. Some women with severe heart disease cannot cope with the increased physical demands of pregnancy. In such cases, if medications are ineffective, surgical procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting might be needed. While the risk of heart surgeries for pregnant women is similar to non-pregnant women, the risk of the baby dying remains high. This high risk is due to several factors like the timing and urgency of the surgery, and how the fetus and placenta respond to heart-lung machine use during surgery. The objective of this paper is to summarise the latest research on how to manage heart problems during pregnancy.

FAQs

  1. What are the major causes of cardiac death in pregnant women in the UK?
  2. Can pregnant women with significant cardiac disease undergo coronary artery bypass grafting?
  3. What are the factors contributing to high fetal mortality rates during cardiac operations in pregnant women?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about heart bypass surgery is to follow a healthy lifestyle post-surgery, including maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. It is important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and address any concerns. It is also important to take prescribed medications as directed to reduce the risk of complications and promote healing. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any symptoms or changes in your health to ensure the best possible outcome after heart bypass surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for heart bypass surgery are those who have significant coronary artery disease that is causing symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath, and who have not responded well to other treatments such as medications or lifestyle changes. These patients may have blockages in their coronary arteries that are limiting blood flow to the heart muscle, putting them at risk for a heart attack or other complications. Heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), can help improve blood flow to the heart muscle by creating new pathways for blood to bypass blocked or narrowed arteries. Patients who are considered for heart bypass surgery undergo a thorough evaluation by a cardiac surgeon and other members of the healthcare team to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure.

Timeline

Before heart bypass surgery:

  1. Patient may experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness.
  2. Patient undergoes various diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and stress tests to determine the extent of blockages in the coronary arteries.
  3. Patient may undergo medical treatment such as medications to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
  4. Patient may undergo lifestyle changes such as diet modification and exercise to improve heart health.

After heart bypass surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately after surgery.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort at the incision site.
  3. Patient undergoes cardiac rehabilitation to gradually increase physical activity and improve heart function.
  4. Patient may need to take medications to prevent blood clots, lower cholesterol, and manage other risk factors for heart disease.
  5. Patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and adjust treatment as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for recommending a heart bypass surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery time after the surgery?
  4. What lifestyle changes will be necessary after the surgery?
  5. How will the surgery affect my overall heart health in the long term?
  6. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  8. What is the success rate of the surgery in patients with similar conditions?
  9. Are there any specific medications that need to be taken before or after the surgery?
  10. How will the surgery impact my ability to participate in physical activities or exercise?

Reference

Authors: Patel C, Akhtar H, Gupta S, Harky A. Journal: J Card Surg. 2020 Jul;35(7):1589-1596. doi: 10.1111/jocs.14637. Epub 2020 Jun 2. PMID: 32484993