The pregnancy test is an important diagnostic tool that is relevant in the larger context of health heart diagnostics (HHD) even if its primary function is to ascertain pregnancy status. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone released when a fertilized egg adheres to the lining of the uterus, is measured in urine or blood by this test.
Given that pregnancy brings about major physiological changes that may have an impact on cardiovascular function, it is imperative that women understand their pregnancy status within the framework of managing their cardiovascular health. For example, a woman’s cardiovascular system changes during pregnancy to accommodate the elevated metabolic demands by raising blood volume, heart rate, and modifying blood pressure management. These alterations may make pre-existing cardiac disorders worse or reveal cardiovascular problems that were previously undetected.