Cardiac arrhythmias in pregnancy
Section snippets
Fetal arrhythmias
Fetal arrhythmias are usually diagnosed echocardiographically by assessment of the chronological relationship between the atrial and ventricular contractions.24 Fetal magnetocardiography may further clarify the mechanism underlying the arrhythmia.25 Tachyarrhythmia is diagnosed when the fetal heart rate exceeds 180 per min.26 SVTs include AV nodal reentry, AV reentry (due to an accessory pathway) EAT, or permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia, and assessment of the RP and PR intervals
Summary
Cardiac arrhythmias during pregnancy are being seen with increasing frequency as women with congenital heart disease are surviving into their reproductive years and older women with acquired heart disease are pursuing pregnancy. Prompt evaluation and treatment can make a difference to the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.
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