Trends in cardiovascular complications of pregnancy: A nationwide inpatient sample analysis

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of pregnancy-related mortality in the United States. Physiologic stress of pregnancy can induce several hemodynamic changes that contribute to an increased risk of cardiac complications in the peripartum period. There are ongoing efforts to improve cardiovascular mortality in pregnant patients. Understanding trends in cardiovascular complications during pregnancy may provide insight into improving care for high-risk pregnancies. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database and identified all inpatient hospitalizations for pregnancy and delivery. We then analyzed trends in the rates of cardiac complications in the pregnant patient. Results: There are concerning increases in trends of cardiac complications and comorbidities in pregnant people including: acute coronary syndrome, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary hypertension, chronic congestive heart failure, heart transplant, aortic syndromes, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. While the rates of STEMI have decreased, the incidence of peripartum cardiomyopathy has remained stable. Conclusion: There are concerning increases in certain cardiac complications during pregnancy. This is likely due to increasing age at the time of pregnancy and associated comorbidities.