Maternal cardiology team: How to build and why it is necessary

The Maternal Cardiology Team otherwise known as “The Heart Team” was initially defined by Cardio Thoracic Surgery specialists prior to the emerging field of Cardio Obstetrics. Sub Specialists of multiple disciplines form this team, and all contribute to the intricate and thoughtful plan of care for all known Pregnant Cardiac Patients during pregnancy and delivery. In 2015, data was published in the USA from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on Pregnancy Related Mortality between 2006 and 2010. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) was reported as the number one indirect cause for Maternal Death in the USA. A more focused analysis of this same CDC data between 2000 and 2014 revealed that Maternal Deaths more than doubled in the USA. A real racial disparity, blacks dying the most regardless of maternal age group was found. Clearly, a national need to mobilize key leaders to develop the field of Cardio Obstetrics was recognized and established. Part of this was the development of the Pregnancy Heart Team, a model that aligns with the August 2018 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) where a multidisciplinary pregnancy heart team is described.