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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