Heart disease is the most common medical cause of maternal death in the UK and it is a major pregnancy problem around the world. The RCOG invited 26 of the world's leading experts from the UK, Europe, the USA and Canada and Japan, to a study group in February 2006, each contributing the latest available information in this vital area. The editors have paid great attention to accuracy but also to readability. The fact that the contributors came together to check, refine and develop their chapters and the speed with which the book has been produced have resulted in a volume which is particularly valuable for updating clinical practice in this key area. This is a book that all obstetricians, cardiologists and anaesthetists dealing with pregnant women with heart disease should read. Anyone with an interest in women's health care will find something for them in these pages.

A practical manual to aid the management of women with heart disease who are pregnant or who are considering pregnancy, Heart Disease in Pregnancy also provides an introduction to the physiological changes of pregnancy and the relevant obstetric knowledge and processes needed for a cardiologist to successfully manage a pregnant woman.

Addresses the challenges of managing critically ill obstetric patients, with chapters authored by intensivists/anesthesiologists and obstetricians/maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

This book describes the risks facing patients with congenital heart disease who wish to become pregnant and the ways in which these patients can best be followed and treated during pregnancy. In addition, the organization of care around the delivery is discussed in detail. The first section provides clear advice on pre-pregnancy risk estimation, counseling of patients, medication use, and inheritance. The specific risks associated with congenital heart defects of differing severity are then explained, with guidance on monitoring and management. The coverage includes simple lesions such as atrial and ventricular septal defects, conditions associated with moderate risk, including tetralogy of Fallot and coarctation, and complex disease such as a Fontan or Mustard repair. The final section is devoted to delivery and considers the mode of delivery, anesthetic use, and postpartum care. Readers will find much information that is underreported in the literature, and the book goes well beyond the European Society of Cardiology guidelines, for example, by considering medical conditions not defined as high risk and addressing the organization of care thoroughly.

Cardiac disease is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Catastrophic outcomes typically encountered are due to gaps in knowledge and communication between health care providers. There is a great need for a standardized approach for care of this very high-risk group of pregnant women. The book encompasses detailed obstetrics and cardiology perspectives that are crucial in the management of the commonly encountered cardiac conditions in pregnancy. This text aims to provide guidance to the whole team caring for a pregnant cardiac patient consisting of obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine, hospitalists, cardiologists, obstetric anaesthesiologists, emergency physicians, primary care providers and nurses. Features: Cardio-Obstetric team organization Preconception counselling and family planning considerations Cardiovascular disease screening and risk stratification of a pregnant cardiac patient Management of a wide spectrum of cardiovascular diagnoses through use of checklists and algorithms in a simple format Essential key points for each cardiac diagnosis

Congenital heart disease with its worldwide incidence of 1% is themost common inborn defect. Increasingly, patients are living intoadulthood, with ongoing congenital heart and other medical needs.Sadly, only a small minority have specialist follow-up. However,all patients see their family doctor and may also seek advice fromother health professionals. This practical guide with its straightforward a,b,c approach iswritten for those professionals. Special features of this book: • Introduces the principles of congenital heart diseaseand tells you whom and when to refer for specialist care • Discusses common congenital heart lesions in a practical,easy-to-follow way, with an emphasis on diagnosis and managementissues • Includes an extensive chapter on 'Pregnancy andContraception' (by Philip J. Steer), essential both for familyplanning and for managing safely the pregnant woman with congenitalheart disease • Includes chapters on non-cardiac surgery and lifestyleissues such as work, insurability, travel and driving • Provides invaluable information on dealing with commonemergencies; what to do and what not to do With a wealth of illustrations (including diagrams, EKGs, CXRs,Echos and cardiac MRIs) and with key point tables, this is anessential guide for all health care professionals managing patientswith adult congenital heart disease.

Clearly presents the pathology of heart disease from fetus to adolescence, integrating histology and macroscopy with effects of treatment.