❤When Shortness of Breath Is NOT Normal 

And the Cardiac Conditions Behind It.

Shortness of breath is common in pregnancy.

But not all breathlessness is physiological.

💚Normal pregnancy-related dyspnea is usually:

• Mild

• Gradual in onset

• Worse with exertion

• Not associated with chest pain or syncope.

However, shortness of breath becomes concerning when it is:

⚠️ Present at rest

⚠️ Worse when lying flat (Orthopnea)

⚠️ Associated with sudden nighttime awakening

⚠️ Accompanied by chest pain, palpitations, or fainting

⚠️ Progressive or rapidly worsening

These symptoms may signal underlying cardiac disease.

💥Common Cardiac Conditions in Pregnancy

 That May Present with Dyspnea:

• Peripartum cardiomyopathy

• Rheumatic valvular heart disease

• Congenital heart disease

• Pulmonary hypertension

• Arrhythmias

• Decompensated pre-existing cardiomyopathy.

Pregnancy increases blood volume and cardiac output by up to 50%.

In women with limited cardiac reserve, this hemodynamic burden may precipitate heart failure.

Many women are diagnosed with heart disease for the first time during pregnancy.

👁Early evaluation, echocardiography when indicated, and multidisciplinary care are essential.

Because protecting the mother’s heart

means protecting two lives.

Dr Rabab Cares

#DrRababCares 

#HeartDiseaseInPregnancy 

#CardioObstetrics 

#MaternalHealth 

#SafePregnancy