Management of tachyarrhythmias in pregnancy
- Bruna Santi dos Santos,
- Adriano Kochi,
- Karina de Andrade,
- Bruna Miers May,
- Thaís Coutinho Nicola,
- Eduardo Bartholomay de Oliveira
Abstract
Advances in human reproductive science are allowing women to get
pregnant even at advanced ages. Thus, the incidence of arrhythmic events
in pregnancy is rising and represents a significant cause of
hospitalization and morbidity for mother and fetus. The most common
arrhythmias in this context are atrial fibrillation and supraventricular
tachycardia, which acutely can be managed, as usual, with adenosine or
cardioversion, and beta blockers in the long-term. For recurrent cases,
sodium blockers, such as propafenone, or even fluoroless cardiac
ablation can be used. In the context of maternal congenital heart
disease, ventricular tachycardia can occur, demanding a specific
approach including cardiac defibrillator implant. Unfortunately, the
medical evidence in this context is scarce, and most available reviews
don't have the objectivity needed to guide daily's practice. This review
aims to be a straightforward guide to the approach to tachyarrhythmias
in pregnancy.