Peripartum cardiomyopathy
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| Peripartum cardiomyopathy | |
|---|---|
| File:Peripartum cardiomyopathy.png | |
| Synonyms | Postpartum cardiomyopathy |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the legs and feet |
| Complications | Heart failure, arrhythmia, thromboembolism |
| Onset | Last month of pregnancy or within 5 months after delivery |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Unknown, possibly autoimmune, genetic, or viral |
| Risks | Multiple pregnancy, hypertension, advanced maternal age, African descent |
| Diagnosis | Echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, blood tests |
| Differential diagnosis | Dilated cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, pulmonary embolism |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, anticoagulants |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable; some recover completely, others may have persistent heart failure |
| Frequency | 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 4,000 live births |
| Deaths | N/A |
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (also known as PPCM or pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy) is a rare form of heart failure that occurs during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months after giving birth. The condition is characterized by the weakening of the heart muscle, which leads to the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of peripartum cardiomyopathy can mimic those of normal pregnancy, making it difficult to diagnose. They may include:
- Fatigue
- Feeling of rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Increased nighttime urination
- Shortness of breath with activity and when lying flat
- Swelling of the ankles
- Swollen neck veins
- Low blood pressure, or it may drop when standing up.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of peripartum cardiomyopathy is unknown. However, several factors may contribute to the development of the condition, including:
- Genetics
- Inflammation
- Viral infection of the heart
- Malnutrition
- Multiple pregnancies
- Being African American
- Being older than 30
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcoholism
- Hypertension
- Preeclampsia
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy involves a physical examination, medical history, and several tests, including:
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for peripartum cardiomyopathy aims to manage symptoms and improve the heart's function. It may include:
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Device therapy
- Heart transplant in severe cases
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for women with peripartum cardiomyopathy varies. Some women may completely recover, while others may have lasting heart damage.
See also[edit]
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