Pregnancy with A Sick Heart

Abstract

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) refers to a collection of cardiac arrhythmias associated with dysfunction of the sinoatrial node that commonly leads to disorders in cardiac rhythm and conduction. Mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of sinus node dysfunction in SSS patients still appear unclear since degenerative fibrosis of nodal tissue has been the closest pathology associated but it is noteworthy to mention the occurrence of this condition in the younger population as well. Manifestations of this disease can be diverse with being totally asymptomatic to vague symptoms like bradyarrhythmia, tachyarrhythmia, syncope, palpitations and dizziness. Diagnosis can be quite difficult due to the stated diverse symptoms. Definite treatment is the replacement of a defective pacemaker with a synthetic pacemaker. Pregnancy with underlying heart disease should be carefully monitored and managed. However, pregnancy after surgical correction of underlying cardiac anomaly has shown a good prognosis in recent years due to the availability of various improved surgical techniques. Below is a depiction of how pregnancy with a prosthetic valve was managed effectively by a multidisciplinary approach that yielded a good outcome.