Which of the following cardiac lesions is generally BEST tolerated during pregnancy?
- A Moderate chronic mitral regurgitation with good left ventricular function ✓
- B Severe aortic stenosis
- C Severe mitral stenosis
- D Primary pulmonary arterial hypertension
Correct answer: A. Moderate chronic mitral regurgitation with good left ventricular function
Explanation
Regurgitant lesions are usually well tolerated because the fall in systemic vascular resistance during pregnancy reduces the volume of regurgitation, whereas stenotic lesions impose a fixed obstruction that tachycardia and rising preload worsen. Severe mitral and aortic stenosis carry substantial maternal risk, and pulmonary arterial hypertension remains one of the highest risk conditions in pregnancy with reported maternal mortality approaching double digits even in modern series.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.