Heart Failure and Pregnancy: Thinking Beyond Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States, accounting for more than 25% of maternal deaths.1 Cardiomyopathy accounts for 11% of overall maternal deaths, and 32% of late maternal deaths.1,2 Heart failure is also the most common indication for postpartum cardiovascular hospitalization.3 Early identification of women who are at risk of developing heart failure symptoms and prompt recognition and treatment of symptomatic heart failure are critical steps in addressing the cardiovascular contribution to maternal morbidity and mortality.
Source: Journal of Cardiac Failure - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research