Which heart conditions are considered high risk during pregnancy?

 

Pregnancy places sustained pressure on the heart. 

In congenital heart disease, this can expose underlying limitations. 

Some hearts adapt well. 

Others are already functioning near capacity. 

Higher-risk conditions often include: 

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension. 
• Fontan circulation or single ventricle physiology. 
• Severe valve disease or reduced heart function. 

These conditions reduce the ability to manage increased workload. 

This is why risk assessment is done before pregnancy, not during it.