Cardiac disease in pregnancy electrocardiogram

Overview
The common electrocardiographic findings that occur secondary to physiological changes during pregnancy include: tachycardia, short PR interval and left axis deviation.

Electrocardiographic Findings

 * Physiologic hyperdynamic circulation may cause tachycardia with accompanied shortened PR interval.


 * Left axis deviation attributed to horizontal position of the heart resulting from progressive uterine enlargement.


 * Non-specific transient ST segment depression, T wave flattening and presence of Q wave may be observed in a small percentage of pregnant patients. However, these changes resolve without further complications following delivery.


 * Holter monitoring is advised for high-risk pregnant women with atrial fibrillation or other documented arrhythmic disorder.