Texarkana Cardiology Associates

The incidence of complete heart block (CHB) has been reported to be 1 in 15,000–20,000 live births. According to a study done by Reid and colleagues,1 30% of cases of congenital heart block remain undiscovered until adulthood. Hence, most CHBs found in pregnancy are usually congenital heart blocks that are diagnosed for the first time during the first pregnancy or puerperium. However, acquired CHB usually occurs after 50 years of age.2 Management of maternal CHB requires a multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and neonatologists.