The usual policy at IALCH is that cardiac patients are
admitted on the first visit for a complete clinical assessment. A
detailed history is obtained and the patient’s disability graded
according to the New York Heart Association classification.6
Blood investigations included a full blood count, serum renal
function tests, voluntary testing for a rapid serum human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) and specific tests included ECG, chest
X-ray and echocardiogram. A cardiologist, together with an
obstetrician interested in medical complications of pregnancy
assessed all patients and reviewed treatment regimens.