Obstetric Anesthesia Principles in Parturients with Cardiac Diseases

Abstract

Cardiac diseases are present in 0.1-4 % of pregnancies. Pregnancy increases the maternal mortality and morbidity in these patients. In this review, the anesthetic management of patients with cardiac disease in pregnancy are discussed focusing on the hemodynamic changes that occur in normal pregnancy, the choice of anesthesia during labor and general management of these parturients.