How often should blood pressure be checked for patients with cardiac disease during labor?

Monitoring blood pressure for patients with cardiac disease during labor is critical due to the elevated risks associated with changes in hemodynamics and the potential for exacerbating cardiac conditions. Checking blood pressure every 15 minutes strikes a balance between ensuring patient safety and avoiding unnecessary interventions. This frequency allows for timely detection of any concerning changes, such as hypotension or hypertension, that may require immediate management.

Frequent assessments can inform clinical decisions, guiding the healthcare team in maintaining optimal cardiovascular stability. While more frequent checks, like every 5 or 10 minutes, may be warranted under acute conditions, the standard of every 15 minutes provides a robust monitoring strategy without overwhelming the patient or the medical team with excessively frequent measurements. The 30-minute interval might not be adequate in high-risk patients, as it could delay the recognition of critical changes in their condition. Therefore, the 15-minute interval is a well-supported practice in managing patients with cardiac concerns during labor.