Cardiovascular Medications in Pregnancy: A Primer

Cardiol Clin. 2021 Feb;39(1):33-54. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2020.09.011. Epub 2020 Nov 2.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease-related disorders remain among the most common causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Due to increased rates of obesity, delayed childbearing, and improvements in medical technology, greater numbers of women are entering pregnancy with preexisting medical comorbidities. Use of cardiovascular medications in pregnancy continues to increase, and medical management of cardiovascular conditions in pregnancy will become increasingly common. Obstetricians and cardiologists must familiarize themselves with the pharmacokinetics of the most commonly used cardiovascular medications in pregnancy and how these medications respond to the physiologic changes related to pregnancy, embryogenesis, and lactation.

Keywords: Cardiac medications; Cardio-obstetrics; Heart disease in pregnancy; Medication safety; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Heart Disease Risk Factors
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / drug therapy*
  • Risk Adjustment* / methods
  • Risk Adjustment* / organization & administration

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents