Special considerations in the use of cardiovascular drugs

In general, drugs used for treating various cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy do not appear to have any harmful effects on the developing embryo or fetus. However, since the majority of these agents readily cross the placenta and are found in the fetus in therapeutic concentrations, a careful and continued surveillance of their effects is essential. It is the intent of the authors in this article to review some of the most commonly used drugs, placing special emphasis on some of the potentially deleterious effects of these agents and to suggest alternative therapeutic regimens when deemed appropriate.