Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Checklists for triage and work-up of persons with symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy and postpartum

Maternal cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the United States. Symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease include shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, edema, and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms are nonspecific and are common in pregnancy and postpartum. When a pregnant or postpartum person reports any of these symptoms, the provider needs a systematic approach to evaluate whether further work-up and consultation are needed or whether the patient can be reassured that the symptoms are likely “normal for pregnancy.” The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine presents a checklist for triage of patients who report these symptoms and a checklist outlining the initial work-up of those who need further evaluation.