TY - JOUR T1 - Valvular heart disease and pregnancy part II: management of prosthetic valves JF - Heart JO - Heart SP - 244 LP - 252 DO - 10.1136/heartjnl-2015-308199 VL - 103 IS - 3 AU - Catriona J Bhagra AU - Rohan D'Souza AU - Candice K Silversides Y1 - 2017/02/01 UR - http://heart.bmj.com/content/103/3/244.abstract N2 - Learning objectivesTo recognise the maternal, fetal and neonatal risks of pregnancy in women with prosthetic heart valves.To review anticoagulation strategies for women with mechanical heart valves during pregnancy.To understand the principles of management in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves.Prosthetic heart valves (PHV) have been used to treat patients with both congenital and acquired valve lesions since the first surgical replacement in 1960.1 The two principal types of PHV are the mechanical prostheses and the tissue or bioprostheses. Advances in surgical technique, valve design and anticoagulation have improved overall outcomes since their introduction.2 Worldwide, there is an increasing prevalence of rheumatic heart disease, with more young women being considered for surgical treatment.3 ,4 There are also increasing numbers of women with congenital heart disease reaching childbearing age, some of whom have PHV.During pregnancy, there is an increase in heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output. These haemodynamic changes can lead to decompensation in women with PHV. Pregnancy is associated with additional risks in women with mechanical heart valves (MHV) as pregnancy is a prothrombotic state with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications (TECs), coupled with the adverse effects of oral anticoagulants on the fetus. In this article, we will review the pregnancy risks in women with PHV, strategies for anticoagulation in women with MHV and the management of complications.Pregnancy in a woman with a PHV should be carefully planned. Preconception counselling is imperative, allowing for a comprehensive discussion of the risks of pregnancy for the mother and baby. The degree of maternal cardiac risk depends on many factors including the women's clinical status, her underlying cardiac condition, the type and position of the valve, the presence of other cardiac lesions and left ventricular systolic function. Maternal obstetric, fetal and neonatal risks should … ER -