Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy that presents in the third trimester of pregnancy or in the early post partum period.

As with other forms of dilated cardiomyopathy, postpartum cardiomyopathy involves deterioration of the left ventricular ejection fraction with associated congestive heart failure and increased risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and even sudden cardiac death.

The etiology of postpartum cardiomyopathy is unknown.

Risk factors

The incidence of peripartum cardiomyopathy is increased in women over the age of 30, in twin pregnancies, in multiparous women, and in african americans.

Prognosis

About 50 to 60 percent of women with postpartium cardiomyopathy have improvement or total recovery in their left ventricular function within 6 months of diagnosis. The remainder tend to have either stabilization of their ventricular function or worsoning requiring cardiac transplantation.¹

References

1. Ravikishore AG, Kaul UA, Sethi KK, Khalilullah M. Peripartum cardiomyopathy: prognostic variables at initial evaluation. Int J Cardiol. 1991 Sep;32(3):377-80. (Medline abstract)