The Challenge of Managing Atrial Fibrillation during Pregnancy

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) during pregnancy increases with maternal age and with the presence of structural heart disorders. Early diagnosis and prompt therapy can considerably reduce the risk of thromboembolism. The therapeutic approach to AF during pregnancy is particularly challenging, and the maternal and fetal risks associated with the use of antiarrhythmic and anticoagulant drugs must be carefully evaluated. Moreover, the currently used thromboembolic risk scores have yet to be validated for the prediction of stroke during pregnancy. At present, electrical cardioversion is considered to be the safest and most effective strategy in women with hemodynamic instability. Beta-selective blockers are also recommended as the first choice for rate control. Antiarrhythmic drugs such as flecainide, propafenone and sotalol should be considered for rhythm control if atrioventricular nodal-blocking drugs fail. AF catheter ablation is currently not recommended during pregnancy. Overall, the therapeutic strategy for AF in pregnancy must be carefully assessed and should take into consideration the advantages and drawbacks of each aspect. A multidisciplinary approach with a “Pregnancy-Heart Team” appears to improve the management and outcome of these patients. However, further studies are needed to identify the most appropriate therapeutic strategies for AF in pregnancy.