Myocardial infarction and pregnancy

Key content Myocardial infarction is a rare but life‐threatening medical condition during pregnancy. If unrecognised and not managed appropriately, the associated mortality and morbidity are high. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Multidisciplinary management involving the obstetric physician, cardiologist, anaesthetists and obstetrician is key to improving outcomes. Learning objectives To revise the physiological cardiovascular changes in pregnancy. To recognise the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction during pregnancy. Identify risks factors for myocardial infarction. Recognise symptoms and signs of myocardial infarction. To learn the general management principles of myocardial infarction in pregnancy. Ethical issues Should asymptomatic pregnant women with multiple risk factors be screened for coronary heart disease?