Advice for cardiology healthcare professionals: management of abnormal uterine bleeding in women with heart disease
One in three women of reproductive age experience abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) (Fraser et al., 2015) which is defined as bleeding from the uterus that is abnormal in duration, volume, frequency and/or regularity. This definition includes the symptom of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) (Munro et al., 2018). AUB can have a significant impact on quality of life and, of particular relevance to women with heart disease, can lead to anaemia (Fraser et al., 2015). HMB is the leading cause of iron deficiency anaemia in women of reproductive age (Percy et al., 2017).
This toolkit has been created to support the clinical decision making of cardiology healthcare professionals who review and treat women with heart disease and abnormal uterine bleeding. Information is provided on first line management of abnormal uterine bleeding and which patients require referral to gynaecology to rule out endometrial pathology.
Multidisciplinary (cardiology and gynaecology) advice should be obtained to help manage complex patients. This guidance should be referred to in conjunction with local and national guidelines. NHS Board users should confirm with their Area Drug and Therapeutics Committee (ADTC) that the prescribing guidance in this toolkit is in line with local policy.
