Cardio-obstetrics practice in Latin America: a regional survey of general cardiologists

Abstract

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a leading cause of death in pregnant women globally, especially in lowand middle-income countries including Latin America (LATAM), where there is lack of data on how cardiologists are trained in cardio-obstetrics (CO) and the practice patterns in the care of pregnant patients. OBJECTIVES The authors aimed to identify CO competency and practice patterns among LATAM general cardiologists. METHODS An anonymous cross-sectional Google-based electronic survey was sent via email to clinical cardiologists through local American College of Cardiology chapters and CV societies. Demographics, prior CO training, and practice patterns related to pregnant patients with CV disease were assessed. RESULTS A total of 464 participants responded: 53% male, 52.5% from Central America and the Caribbean, 36.5% from South America, and 11% from Mexico. Most (67%) had not received didactic education in CO during fellowship; the majority expressed interest in participation in educational activities on this field, and only 18% reported practicing in centers equipped with CO teams or experts. Specific characteristics of CO practices in the region are shown in the figures. CONCLUSIONS Based on this survey, the CV care and follow-up of pregnant patients in LATAM is suboptimal; most cardiologists report lack of CO formal education during training and feel uncomfortable providing care during pregnancy although expressed interest in enhancing their knowledge in this field.