Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review

Change of HeART: Cardiovascular Implications of Assisted Reproductive Technology

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death in women, and it may manifest differently than in men, in part related to sex-specific CV risk factors. In females, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are commonly used to treat infertility, and they utilize controlled ovarian stimulation involving the administration of exogenous sex hormones. ARTs, and especially controlled ovarian stimulation, have been associated with an increased pregnancy and short-term CV risk, although the long-term CV implications of these treatments in individuals treated with ARTs and their offspring remain unclear. This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive examination of what is known about the relationship between ART and CV outcomes for females treated with ARTs, as well as their offspring, and recommendations for future research. Novel insights into female-specific CV risk factors are critical to reduce the disproportionate burden of CV disease in Canadian women. ART has revolutionized reproductive medicine, offering hope to millions of individuals with infertility worldwide, and a further understanding of the CV implications of this important sex-specific CV risk factor is warranted urgently.

Weight gain after in vitro fertilization: a potential consequence of controlled ovarian stimulation

In the USA, 42% of adult women were estimated to have obesity, and 13% of women of childbearing age similarly have impaired fecundity. Obesity is associated with infertility such that patients with obesity often seek out in vitro fertilization (IVF) services. Here, we report on the case of a woman with childhood-onset class II obesity who had been undergoing treatment with phentermine and topiramate prior to undergoing 3 cycles of IVF. With each cycle, the patient temporarily gained 13-15 lbs. during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). Weight gain from COS may be clinically relevant and merits further study to optimize weight status across women's reproductive life and to better assist women who gain weight secondary to IVF. Incorporating weight monitoring into IVF protocols may also help better characterize the scope of weight gain from COS.

Management of Ischemic Heart Disease in Pregnancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiovascular disease is an escalating cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Women are at risk for acute myocardial infarction (MI), and more are living with risk factors for ischemic heart disease (IHD). The purpose of this review is to describe the evaluation and management of women at risk for and diagnosed with IHD in pregnancy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pregnancy can provoke MI which has been estimated as occurring in 1.5-10/100, 000 deliveries or 1/12,400 hospitalizations, with a high inpatient mortality rate of approximately 5-7%. An invasive strategy may or may not be preferred, but fetal radiation exposure is less of a concern in comparison to maternal mortality. Common medications used to treat IHD may be continued successfully during pregnancy and lactation, including aspirin, which has an emerging role in pregnancy to prevent preeclampsia, preterm labor, and maternal mortality. Hemodynamics can be modulated during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum to mitigate risk for acute decompensation in women with IHD. Cardiologists can successfully manage IHD in pregnancy with obstetric partners and should engage women in a lifetime of cardiovascular care.