A review of peripartum cardiomyopathy

Author: Rachael James P.¹

Source: International Journal of Clinical Practice, Volume 58, Number 4, April 2004 , pp. 363-365(3)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

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Abstract:

Summary

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare form of cardiomyopathy, of unknown aetiology, which is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. It is characterised by the presentation of heart failure, within a month of delivery and up to 5 months post-partum, secondary to left ventricular impairment. It is essentially a diagnosis of exclusion and can only be made in the absence of any other demonstrable cause. One of the most challenging areas is in pre-natal counselling, when a woman wishes to undertake a further pregnancy, because recovery of left ventricular function gives no guarantee of safety.

Keywords: Peripartum cardiomyopathy; puerperal cardiomyopathy; heart failure; pre-natal counselling

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1368-5031.2004.00083.x

Affiliations: 1: Cardiothoracic Centre, St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London, UK

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