Abstract
Women with comorbidities and obesity and aging women are presenting obstetrical challenges to healthcare providers. Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and stroke on obstetrical units are not as rare as they may have been even 5 years ago. Early recognition and treatment of these maladies can assist in decreasing the mortality of both the mother and unborn baby. The Joint Commission advocates using periodic drills for obstetric emergencies. The content on cardiac emergencies and case studies in this article will assist staff development educators to integrate didactic and clinical practice time into orientation and continuing education programs.