Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Alternative names:

cardiomyopathy - peripartum

Definition:

A disorder caused by current or recent pregnancy where the heart muscle is weakened and cannot pump blood efficiently; decreased heart function affects the lungs, liver, and other body systems.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by current pregnancy or delivery within the last 4 months.

The disorder affects approximately 4 out of 10,000 women. It may occur at ages 18 to 41 but it is most common after age 30. Other risk factors include obesity, having a personal or family history of cardiac disorders such as myocarditis, use of certain medications, smoking, alcoholism, multiple pregnancies, being black, and being malnourished.

Cardiomyopathy occurs when there is damage to the heart with muscle degeneration and scarring (fibrosis).

Symptoms may develop more rapidly than other cardiomyopathies and include the symptoms of heart failure.