Table 1 Lecture topics and corresponding objectives presented in fall curriculum

Introduction to Pregnancy and Physiology

• Review basics of cardiovascular physiology.

• Understand normal physiological changes during pregnancy.

• Review case-based scenarios of everyday practice.

Pregnancy and Heart Disease: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

• Review the definitions of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

• Describe the rationale for treatment of hypertension in pregnancy.

• Understand the long-term implications of preeclampsia on cardiovascular healthy.

Pre-Conception Counseling

• Review the hemodynamic changes during pregnancy, normal and abnormal physical exams and symptoms.

• Describe the rationale for pre-conception counseling and tools we have to estimate risk.

• Understand the cardiac contraindications for pregnancy.

Pre-Delivery Planning

• Outline an approach to preconception planning for women with cardiovascular disease.

• Describe the appropriate types of monitoring required during pregnancy.

• List the considerations that need to be covered when making recommendations for delivery planning.

Medication Use and Safety in Pregnancy

• Name the factors that affect teratogenic potential of a medication during pregnancy and lactation.

• Discuss the pregnancy and lactation-related risks of the major classes of medications used for cardiovascular disease.

• List potential resources for up to date information on medication use in pregnancy and lactation.

Valvular Disease in Pregnancy

• Describe the normal hemodynamic physiologic changes associated with pregnancy.

• Review the clinical findings and echocardiographic findings seen in mitral and aortic stenosis.

• Discuss the effect of pregnancy on mitral and aortic stenosis and their management.

• Management of anticoagulation for mechanical valves in pregnancy.

• Discuss preconception counseling regarding valve type and the risk during pregnancy.

Arrythmias in Pregnancy

• Most common arrhythmia in pregnancy – modern day

• Cardiac arrest in pregnancy 

    a. Timing of cesarean delivery in cardiac arrest

    b. Mode of effective CPR in pregnancy

• Anticoagulation in pregnancy

    a. Mechanical Valves

    b. Atrial fibrillation

• Safe antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs)

    a. Beta Blockers

    b. Calcium Channel Blockers

    c. Other AADs

• Contraindicated cardiac medications.