How does cardiomyopathy affect pregnancy?

Women with peripartum cardiomyopathy have an increased risk of complications during future pregnancies, especially if the heart dysfunction continues. About 6% to 8% of women develop high blood pressure, also called hypertension, during pregnancy.

Which form of cardiomyopathy is associated with pregnancy?

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), also known as postpartum cardiomyopathy, is an uncommon form of heart failure that happens during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months after giving birth. Cardiomyopathy literally means heart muscle disease.

Why does cardiomyopathy occur during pregnancy?

Your heart pumps up to 50 percent more blood during pregnancy. This is because you have to transfer oxygen and vital nutrients to your growing baby. There’s no definitive cause of peripartum cardiomyopathy. However, doctors believe this condition occurs when the extra pumping of blood combines with other risk factors.

Which cardiac problem carries the highest mortality risk in pregnancy?

Pulmonary arterial hypertension carries a very high risk during pregnancy (30–50% mortality).

What causes shortness of breath after pregnancy?

Tests there confirmed peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare form of heart failure that develops toward the end of pregnancy or several months after giving birth. As the heart muscle weakens, fluid begins to back up in the lungs and legs, making it difficult to breathe and causing swelling.

When do heart defects occur during pregnancy?

A baby’s heart starts to develop at conception. But it is fully formed by 8 weeks into the pregnancy. Congenital heart defects happen in the first 8 weeks of the baby’s development.

What type of cardiomyopathy is peripartum cardiomyopathy?

Postpartum cardiomyopathy, which is also called peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), is a rare form of heart failure. It occurs in the last month of pregnancy or up to 5 months after delivery. It is a type of congestive heart failure, which causes your heart to become larger than normal and weak.

Can heart failure patients get pregnant?

If you’re a woman of childbearing age and have a heart condition that would put you or your unborn baby at risk, you may be advised against becoming pregnant.

What is the main cause of cardiomyopathy?

Viral infections in the heart are a major cause of cardiomyopathy. In some cases, another disease or its treatment causes cardiomyopathy. This might include complex congenital (present at birth) heart disease, nutritional deficiencies, uncontrollable, fast heart rhythms, or certain types of chemotherapy for cancer.

What cardiac condition is normal during pregnancy?

Coarctation of the aorta is usually well tolerated in pregnancy. Severe hypertension, heart failure, and aortic dissection have been reported. Complications are less likely in cases of repaired coarctation; however, hypertension is still common, especially with the presence of increased coarctation gradient.

Does postpartum cardiomyopathy go away?

Most women with postpartum cardiomyopathy recover some or all of their heart function. You will need to follow up closely with your doctor. Some women only recover part of their heart function after 6 months or more, but some recover completely within 2 weeks. How severe your PPCM is doesn’t seem to affect recovery.

Is pregnancy a risk factor for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Risk associated with pregnancy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol 2002;40:1864–9. doi:10.1016/S0735-1097 (02)02495-6 . Pregnancy in women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: data from the European Society of Cardiology initiated Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac disease (ROPAC).

What is the prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy during pregnancy?

Few reports on dilated cardiomyopathy and pregnancy exist, with only a limited number of patients. Ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, stroke and death are found in 39%–60% of high-risk patients. However, patients with modest left ventricular dysfunction and good functional class tolerated pregnancy well.

What is the mortality and morbidity associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy?

Mortality in peripartum cardiomyopathy varies from <2% to 50%. Few reports on dilated cardiomyopathy and pregnancy exist, with only a limited number of patients. Ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, stroke and death are found in 39%–60% of high-risk patients.

What is the role of cardiorespiratory disease in pregnancy?

Cardiac disease is the most common cause of mortality in pregnancy. Cardiac disease has the potential to remain undiagnosed; it may present with cardiovascular decompensation during pregnancy, at the time of delivery, or immediately post-partum. The main aims of management are: early risk assessment,…