Symptoms of Heart Disease Closely Resemble Pregnancy Symptoms

Most Pregnant Women are Unaware of their Heart Disease

​Every woman is given utmost care and showered with affection during her pregnancy period. Even the most trivial symptom is taken care of. But how many of them realize that they might have cardiovascular issues during pregnancy? Almost none. This is because, the signs and symptoms of a heart failure closely resemble pregnancy symptoms. Common symptoms of a heart failure during pregnancy include rapid weight gain, swollen & fluid-filled legs, elevated BP levels, fatigue and trouble sleeping which are usually ignored as common pregnancy symptoms.

The same was the issue with Preeti, a 29-year-old pregnant girl. During her 35-week routine checkup, ultrasound and stress tests revealed that the fetus had stopped growing after the 30th week, the woman’s heart rate was extremely weak, and an immediate C-section was needed to save the life of both, mom and the baby. Mind you, still no one ever have the slightest doubt that Preeti could be suffering from a heart failure. She had a C-section delivery, and everyone were relieved that the symptoms were going to subside down. But the night after delivery, she had trouble sleeping and experienced breathing difficulties.

An echocardiogram test revealed that Preeti had fluid accumulation in her lungs and scarring in the valves, which are indications of rheumatoid heart disease. The hospital right away started her on the necessary treatment procedures and she was shifted from the maternity ward to the cardiac ward, where she became a cardiac patient officially.

After returning home, Preeti was mapped to a cardiologist and her treatment journey continued with open-heart surgeries and medications. Slowly down the line, she was able to resume her active lifestyle with no medical restrictions and only daily medications to stabilize her heart rate.
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There are thousands of patients like Preeti. Never take anything lightly and assume that you are too young/healthy to be affected with heart disease, a common misconception among most women. Lead a healthy lifestyle, go for annual full-body check-ups and be happy. This is the only way to avoid or lower the risk of any health hazard. Get in touch with a registered dietitian nutritionist at www.firsteatright.com to help you with healthy diet charts and physical exercise to live a healthy life.