Cardio-Obstetrics Fundamentals for Fellows-Cross-Disciplinary Fundamentals: Cardiology 101 For the MFM

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Module 2B, "Cardiology 101 for the MFM," offers foundational insights into cardiology relevant to maternal-fetal medicine, covering cardiac pathophysiology, cardiovascular evaluation during pregnancy, ECG essentials, and cardiac imaging with expert speakers. <br /><br />Dr. Jennifer Louie discusses cardiac pathophysiology focusing on cardiovascular history and exams in pregnant women, heart failure classification and treatment, and cardiac devices. Key symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, chest pain, palpitations, and edema are evaluated carefully to distinguish pregnancy-related changes from cardiac pathology. Heart failure staging (A to C) and class (NYHA I-IV) guide management, with limited safe medical therapies during pregnancy (mainly beta blockers and diuretics). Pacemakers and ICDs are reviewed for arrhythmia management, and cardiogenic shock diagnosis and treatment, including mechanical circulatory support, are outlined.<br /><br />Dr. Samuel Hsu outlines cardiovascular evaluation of pregnant patients with known or suspected heart disease. Emphasizing early referral and comprehensive history taking (including family history and surgical scars), physical exam, and investigations like ECG and echocardiogram, he discusses symptom assessment of palpitations, dyspnea, syncope, and chest pain. The importance of distinguishing benign pregnancy changes from cardiac disease and coordinating care with specialists is underscored.<br /><br />Dr. Colleen Harrington details ECG fundamentals for obstetricians, explaining components (P wave, QRS complex, T wave), normal intervals, and key abnormalities including AV blocks, bundle branch blocks, atrial fibrillation/flutter, and emergencies like STEMI. Ambulatory ECG monitoring modalities and evaluation approaches for pregnant patients with palpitations are reviewed.<br /><br />Dr. Lakshmi Mehta highlights cardiovascular imaging in pregnancy, balancing diagnostic yield with maternal-fetal safety. Echocardiography is first-line; transesophageal echo and cardiac MRI have specialized uses, with CT scans reserved for urgent vascular diagnoses. Imaging guides diagnosis and management of heart failure, valvular disease, aortopathies, and congenital heart disease. Timely cardiology referral is crucial for abnormal findings.<br /><br />Overall, this module equips clinicians with essential knowledge on cardiovascular assessment, diagnostics, and management tailored to pregnancy, ensuring optimized care for both mother and fetus.

Keywords

Cardiology

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Pregnancy

Cardiac Pathophysiology

Heart Failure

ECG Interpretation

Cardiac Imaging

Arrhythmia Management

Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiovascular Evaluation