Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy: Clinical Outcomes from a Tertiary Center Experience in Saudi Arabia

Cardiovascular disease complicates pregnancy and elevates maternal and fetal risks. Local data in Saudi Arabia is scarce. This study examines pregnancy outcomes in women with cardiovascular disease at a tertiary center. A retrospective cohort study of 103 cardio-obstetric patients (2015-2023) at King Khalid University Hospital. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, with significance at p < 0.05. The cohort (mean age = 35.5 ± 5.03 years, mean BMI = 31.33 ± 6.32 kg/m²) had high rates of hypertension (45.6 %) and preterm delivery (<37 weeks: 37/101, 36.6 %). Maternal hypertension occurred in 14.7 % (15/102). Neonatal outcomes included NICU admission (15.7 %, 16/102) and fetal loss (6.8 %, 7/103). Multivariable analysis revealed that a history of preeclampsia increased the odds of preterm birth (OR = 7.29, 95 % CI [2.16-24.63], p = 0.001), maternal hypertension (OR = 8.38, 95 % CI [1.90-36.97], p < 0.01), and NICU admission (OR = 6.98, 95 % CI [1.78-27.40], p < 0.01). Pre-existing diabetes (Types I/II) was associated with preterm birth (OR = 7.74, 95 % CI [1.70-35.24], p < 0.01). A higher BMI independently increased the odds of maternal hypertension (OR = 1.14 per unit, 95 % CI [1.01-1.28], p < 0.05). Bivariate analysis indicated that autoimmune disease increased the risk of low APGAR scores (0-6: 57.1 % vs. 11.1 %, p = 0.008), and prior cardiac procedures increased the risk of fetal loss (18.8 % vs. 4.6 %, p = 0.039). A history of preeclampsia, diabetes, and elevated BMI is a critical risk factor. Multidisciplinary preconception counseling and stringent antenatal monitoring are essential for this high-risk.