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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM)
Introduction
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but serious form of heart failure that occurs during the last month of pregnancy or within five months after delivery. It is characterized by the weakening of the heart muscle, leading to reduced pumping efficiency and potential complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of PPCM is unknown, several risk factors have been identified: - Genetic predisposition - Hypertension during pregnancy (preeclampsia, eclampsia) - Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) - Advanced maternal age (>30 years old) - Obesity - Viral infections - Autoimmune responses - Smoking and alcohol use
Symptoms
Symptoms of PPCM are often similar to those of other types of heart failure and include: - Shortness of breath - Swelling in the legs and feet - Fatigue and weakness - Rapid or irregular heartbeat - Reduced ability to exercise - Persistent cough (due to fluid buildup in the lungs)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of PPCM involves several tests: - Echocardiogram (ECHO) – Assesses heart structure and function - Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Detects abnormal heart rhythms - Blood tests (BNP, NT-proBNP) – Measure heart failure markers - Cardiac MRI – Provides detailed images of the heart - Chest X-ray – Helps identify fluid buildup in the lungs
Treatment
Treatment focuses on improving heart function and managing symptoms: - Medications: - Beta-blockers (e.g., carvedilol, metoprolol) - Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (contraindicated during pregnancy, but useful postpartum) - Diuretics to reduce fluid overload - Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots - Lifestyle modifications: - Low-salt diet - Fluid restriction - Avoiding heavy physical exertion - Advanced therapies (for severe cases): - Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) - Heart transplant in extreme cases
Prognosis
Recovery rates vary. Many women regain normal heart function, while others develop persistent heart failure. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes.
Prevention
Although PPCM cannot always be prevented, managing risk factors (e.g., controlling blood pressure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle) can reduce the likelihood of developing the condition.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/what-is-cardiomyopathy-in-adults/peripartum-cardiomyopathy-ppcm
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/what-is-cardiomyopathy-in-adults
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.115.020491
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/ai-technology-improved-detection-of-heart-disease-during-and-after-pregnancy
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease in Pregnancy
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Cardiovascular-Diseases-during-Pregnancy-Management-of
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30165544/
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/publications/PREGN%20Guidelines-Pregnancy-FT.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21873418/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000772
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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