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Management of the Cardiovascular Complications of Substance Use Disorders During Pregnancy

  • Pregnancy and Cardiovascular Disease (N Scott, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

Substance use disorder in pregnancy and subsequent cardiovascular complications are on the rise in the USA. The care of pregnant women with substance use disorder is complex, and requires a thorough understanding of mechanisms of action, pathophysiology, and cardiovascular response during pregnancy. The goal of this review is to provide information about the most common drugs of abuse in pregnancy and to recommend management guidelines.

Recent findings

Pregnant women with substance use disorder are at increased risk of significant cardiovascular complications, both as a direct effect of acute intoxication as well as the secondary risk from infection and cardiotoxicity associated with chronic use. This risk must be considered in the antepartum management, delivery, and postpartum periods.

Summary

Understanding the increased cardiovascular risk of pregnant women with substance use disorder, as well as specific drug interactions, anesthesia considerations, best practices, and management considerations, is important for all clinicians caring for this population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Founders 4, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    P. Kaitlyn Edelson MD & Sarah N. Bernstein MD

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  1. P. Kaitlyn Edelson MD
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  2. Sarah N. Bernstein MD
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Correspondence to P. Kaitlyn Edelson MD.

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Edelson, P.K., Bernstein, S.N. Management of the Cardiovascular Complications of Substance Use Disorders During Pregnancy. Curr Treat Options Cardio Med 21, 73 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11936-019-0777-5

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