A cardiologist talks about the leading cause of death during pregnancy

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women and the leading cause of death among new mothers.

Swelling and shortness of breath are all normal symptoms during pregnancy.

But Dr. Demilade Adedinsewo, a cardiologist and women’s heart health specialist at the Mayo Clinic, says these symptoms can also mean something more serious.

“It can also be a sign of a more sinister heart condition like heart failure for example. And that’s why it’s so difficult to diagnose heart failure during pregnancy,” Adedinsewo said.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, one in three pregnancy-related deaths in the United States is due to cardiovascular problems.

“Unfortunately, when it comes to cardiovascular disease that complicates pregnancy, it becomes the leading cause of death during pregnancy within the first 12 months after having a child. I would consider that quite serious,” Adedinsewo said.

Congenital heart disease is the most common heart disease in pregnant women. But cardiomyopathy leads to the most serious complications. The disease infects the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body, often leading to heart failure. That’s why Dr. Adedinsewo says it’s important for pregnant women to get constant checkups from their doctor.

“Some of the changes we normally see during pregnancy include an increase in heart rate as well as an increase in blood volume. These two together cause volume overload which overloads the heart. This is why pregnancy is sometimes described as nature’s own stress test,” Adedinsewo said.

Adedinsewo says pregnancy does not increase the risk of heart disease on its own. However, she encourages you to always consult your doctor to ensure that you pass “nature’s test” safely and in good health.