|
|
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Alternate Names : Cardiomyopathy - Peripartum
Definition
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare disorder in which a weakened heart is diagnosed within the last month of pregnancy, or within 5 months after delivery.
Cardiomyopathy occurs when there is damage to the heart. The heart muscle becomes weakened and cannot pump blood efficiently. Decreased heart function affects the lungs, liver, and other body systems.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy without other identifiable causes of heart dysfunction (weakened heart).
In the United States, peripartum cardiomyopathy complicates 1 in every 1,300 to 4,000 deliveries. It may occur in childbearing women of any age, but it is most common after age 30.
Other risk factors include obesity, having a personal history of cardiac disorders (such as myocarditis), use of certain medications, smoking, alcoholism, multiple pregnancy, being African-American, and being malnourished.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00
Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | • | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00
Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | • | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| • | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00
French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | • | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00
But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
|
Jump to another section
• 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.
|
|
