A Case-Control Study of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is defined as the development of cardiac failure in the last month of pregnancy or within 5 months of delivery in women with no history of heart disease and no other identifiable cause for cardiac failure. PPCM is characterized by left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45% confirmed by echocardiography1 as well as heart failure symptoms. Women with PPCM can experience complete recovery of heart function2,3 with early diagnosis and treatment.
Source: Journal of Cardiac Failure - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research