Heart disease in pregnancy
An overview of Providence Health Care’s services and resources for patients with heart disease in pregnancy.
Overview
Pregnancy puts extra stress on the heart and circulatory system. This is because your body needs to pump more blood to support you and your baby. The strain can also cause problems in the weeks after delivery.
Patients with heart conditions may need special planning and care during their pregnancy journey. Patients who develop heart conditions after they become pregnant also need additional care.
The Cardiac Obstetrics Clinic cares for people with a heart condition who are:
- Considering pregnancy
- Pregnant
- Postpartum
To access the Cardiac Obstetrics Clinic, your health care provider will need to refer you. They should use the Cardiac Obstetrics Clinic Referral Form.
Diagnosis & testing
Tests used at the Cardiac Obstetrics Clinic include:
- Cardiac CT and MRI Scans. These imaging tests show the structure and function of your heart.
- Heart ultrasound (echo). This imaging test uses sound waves to show pictures of your heart. These images give information on heart function, infections, structural issues, or damage.
- Heart monitors. This test monitors your heart’s rate and rhythm throughout the day.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). This test provides information about your heart’s electrical activity.
The clinic will help arrange for all tests and specialists to come to you at St. Paul’s Hospital. This helps streamline your care.
Treatment & management
Your care team will create a treatment plan just for you. Treatment may involve extra monitoring, medications or more. You may have to attend more appointments.
Your health care provider at the Cardiac Obstetrics Clinic will provide more details on your specific treatment plan.
Clinics that treat heart disease in pregnancy
Support services
Providence Health Care offers a variety of services to support those we care for. The following services may be of use or benefit to you and your families.
Support for Indigenous Peoples
The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca
Education & resources
Patient education
Clinical trials & research
Advances in treatments are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make for yourself in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this area so please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.
By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about advancing health outcomes and find better ways to help people live and thrive. While you cannot assume benefit to yourself, your participation can make a difference in improving care for future patients.
The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information or contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.