Care was deemed to be substandard due to failure to investigate chest pain and inadequate evaluation
for ischaemia in 46% of women who died from ischaemic heart disease in the latest available UK
mortality data [1]. The symptoms of ischaemia, such as epigastric discomfort, palpitation and
breathlessness, may be attributed to pregnancy. There may also be a reluctance to investigate for
ischaemia because of concerns about radiation exposure. However, simple tests including serial ECGs
and serial serum Troponin (results are unaffected by pregnancy) are safe and easy to perform, and they
should be done in all pregnant women presenting with possible ischaemic symptoms. Urgent cardiological
review is mandatory if chest pain is suspicious of angina, if there are ECG changes or if troponin
is elevated.
There is no firm evidence to guide the management of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction
(NSTEMI) during pregnancy; however, consensus agreement in the most recent European guidelines
recommends that patients with high-risk features such as ongoing pain and adverse ECG features
should undergo invasive angiography and stenting if required