THE IMPACT OF RHEUMATIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES ON MATERNAL MORTALITY

Cardiovascular diseases, including rheumatic heart disease, are among the leading indirect causes of maternal mortality worldwide. Pregnancy places significant physiological stress on the heart, increasing the risk of complications in women with pre-existing cardiac conditions. This retrospective study analyzed maternal mortality cases from 2018 to 2024 in a tertiary maternity hospital, focusing on women with rheumatic or other cardiovascular diseases. The study found that rheumatic heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions were major contributors to maternal deaths, with common complications including heart failure, arrhythmias, and thromboembolism. Late diagnosis, insufficient monitoring, and inadequate multidisciplinary care were key risk factors for poor outcomes. Early screening, timely management, and coordinated care between obstetricians and cardiologists are essential to reduce maternal mortality related to cardiovascular diseases.