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Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Alternate Names : Cardiomyopathy - Peripartum
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Treatment
Hospitalization may be required until acute symptoms subside. Because the heart dysfunction is usually reversible, and because patients are usually young, all means necessary are applied to ensure survival. This may include extreme measures such as using an aortic counterpulsation balloon, the use of immunosuppressive therapy (i.e., the type of therapy used to treat cancer or to prevent rejection of transplanted organs), or a heart transplant.
For most women, however, treatment focuses simply on relieving the symptoms. Some women's symptoms resolve on their own (spontaneously).
Medications include diuretics (water pills) to remove excess fluid, vasodilators called ACE-inhibitors to improve cardiac outflow, digitalis to strengthen cardiac outflow, and low-dose beta-blockers. A low-salt diet may be recommended. Fluid may be restricted in some cases. Activity may be restricted when symptoms develop, including nursing the baby.
Daily weighing may be recommended. A weight gain of 3 or 4 pounds or more over 1 or 2 days may indicate fluid accumulation.
If you smoke or drink alcohol, stop. These habits may make the symptoms worse.
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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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