Myocardial infarction in pregnancy - a review article with a case report

Acute myocardial infarction during pregnancy is a relatively rare complication; due to the advanced age of pregnant women its incidence is increasing. Nowadays, pregnant women also have more major coronary heart disease risk factors. A higher incidence of spontaneous dissections of coronary arteries has also been described in pregnancy. The diagnostic procedure of choice is coronary angiography where immediate reperfusion should be achieved–either by balloon angioplasty alone or by coronary stent implantation. Delivery should be postponed for 2–3 weeks, and according to new guidelines vaginal delivery should be considered. We present a 29-year-old pregnant woman who sustained a myocardial infarction. Even though treatment has been optimal, we have, due to presentation, noted apical aneurysm of the left ventricle. Because of subsequent heart rhythm disturbances a caesarean delivery was performed.