Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Alternative names:

cardiomyopathy - peripartum

Symptoms:

• shortness of breath on exertion
• fatigue
• shortness of breath, orthopnea (the need to sleep with the head elevated to prevent waking up at night short of breath)
• swelling of the ankles
• increased frequency of night-time urination (nocturia)
• feeling of racing or skipping of the heart (palpitations)

Signs and tests:

Examination by touch (palpation) and tapping with the fingers (percussion ) indicate enlargement of the heart, and may indicate fluid in the lungs. Examination by listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) reveals lung crackles, heart murmur, or other abnormal sounds. The liver may be enlarged and neck veins may be distended. Blood pressure may be low or may drop when rising to a standing position (orthostatic hypotension).

Heart enlargement, congestion of the lungs or the veins in the lungs, decreased cardiac output, decreased movement or functioning of the heart, or heart failure may show on:

• echocardiogram
• chest X-ray
• chest CT scan
• coronary angiography
• nuclear heart scan (MUGA, RNV)

An ECG shows conduction disturbances, arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or an ectopic heartbeat (premature or abnormal beat), and enlargement of the ventricles of the heart.

A heart biopsy may be helpful to distinguish an underlying cause of the cardiomyopathy. Lab tests may vary.