Pregnancy & Cardiology Care

Pregnancy causes significant changes to the cardiovascular system, including increases in blood volume, heart rate, and cardiac output. For most women, these changes are well tolerated. However, for women with existing heart conditions or those who develop cardiac symptoms during pregnancy, specialised cardiology care is essential.

Dr. Fahmi J. Farah specialises in caring for women with cardiovascular concerns before, during, and after pregnancy. She understands how pregnancy can affect the heart and how heart conditions can, in turn, affect pregnancy outcomes. Early assessment and ongoing monitoring help support the health of both mother and baby.

Pregnancy & Cardiology Care may be appropriate for women who:

• Have a known heart condition prior to pregnancy

• Are planning pregnancy and have a history of heart disease

• Develop cardiac symptoms during pregnancy

• Have a history of pregnancy-related complications affecting the heart

• Require post-partum cardiovascular follow-up

Women with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, preeclampsia, or previous pregnancy complications may also benefit from specialised cardiac evaluation.

Pregnancy may impact or be impacted by a range of cardiovascular conditions, including:

• Congenital heart disease
  Heart conditions present from birth that may require monitoring during pregnancy.

• Arrhythmias
  Irregular heart rhythms that can develop or worsen during pregnancy.

• Cardiomyopathy
  Conditions affecting the heart muscle that may impair the heart’s ability to pump effectively.

• Valvular heart disease
  Disorders affecting the heart valves, such as stenosis or regurgitation.

• Pregnancy-related heart conditions
  Including conditions that arise during pregnancy or the postpartum period.

Some symptoms can be part of normal pregnancy, but others may indicate a cardiac concern. Symptoms that should prompt evaluation include:

• Shortness of breath that is new or worsening

• Chest pain or pressure

• Palpitations or rapid heartbeat

• Dizziness or fainting

• Swelling that is sudden or severe

• Unusual fatigue

If you experience severe symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately.

During your consultation, Dr. Farah provides compassionate, thorough care focused on your individual needs. She will review your medical history, pregnancy history, symptoms, and any prior cardiac testing.

A physical examination is performed, and diagnostic testing may be recommended to assess heart health. Testing may include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

• Echocardiography

• Cardiac monitoring

• Stress testing (when appropriate)

• Cardiac catheterization (in selected cases)

Dr. Farah works closely with your obstetric and maternal-fetal medicine teams to ensure coordinated care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Pregnancy & Cardiology Care at Bentley Heart is delivered as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Farah communicates closely with obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and other healthcare providers involved in your care to support safe, informed decision-making at every stage.