Pregnancy and Ischemic Heart Disease: A Review of Risks and Therapeutic Approaches

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) in pregnancy presents significant risks to both mother and fetus, especially as cardiovascular risk factors become more prevalent in women of reproductive age. This literature review examines the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical impact, and multidisciplinary management of IHD during pregnancy. Maternal complications include acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and arrhythmias, with fetal risks such as preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and neonatal death. Physiological and hematologic adaptations of pregnancy exacerbate ischemic risk, particularly in women with underlying atherosclerosis. Evidence-based pharmacologic and interventional strategies are discussed, alongside delivery planning and postpartum care. A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach remains essential to improving outcomes in this high-risk population.