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Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Alternate Names : Cardiomyopathy - Peripartum
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Diagnosis & Tests
Examination by touch (palpation) and tapping with the fingers (percussion) may indicate fluid in the lungs. Examination by listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) reveals lung crackles, a rapid heart rate, or abnormal heart 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:
An ECG can show enlargement of heart; problems with the electrical part of the heart, called conduction disturbances; and arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or an ectopic heartbeat (premature or abnormal beat). A heart biopsy may be helpful to determine an underlying cause of the cardiomyopathy.
Many cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy seem to be related to myocarditis, confirmed by the heart biopsy. Lab tests may vary.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Alcoholism
• Arrhythmias
• Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter
• Cardiomyopathy
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy
• Ectopic Heartbeat
• Heart Disease
• Heart Failure
• Myocarditis
• Pulmonary Embolus
• Ventricular Tachycardia
Tests & Exams
• Blood Pressure
• Chest X-Ray
• Coronary Angiography
• ECG
• Echocardiogram
• Myocardial Biopsy
• Nuclear Ventriculography (MUGA or RNV)
• Thoracic CT
Surgery & Procedures
• Heart Transplant
Other Topics
• Acute
• Auscultation
• Blood Pressure - Low
• Breathing Difficulty
• Breathing Difficulty - Lying Down
• Cardiovascular
• Chest Pain
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Heartbeat Sensations
• Muscle Cramps
• Obesity
• Palpation
• Percussion
• Swelling
• Urination - Excessive at Night
• Weight Gain - Unintentional
Review Date : 5/4/2002
Reviewed By : Elena Sgarbossa, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Ctr., Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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