It is the dilation and reduction of the pumping function of the heart to less than 45 percent in the last month of pregnancy or 5 months after delivery
A rather rare condition in which the patient feels excessive fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitation, swelling of the ankles, foot or whole body. They can have breathlessness on lying down, increased urination during bedtime and reduce BP more so while changing to standing position.
No definitive cause has been found till date. However those at increased risk are
Post partum cardiomyopathy is identified with ECG and Echocardiogram. A host of blood tests are done to rule out any other treatable cause
No definite treatment. But wait don’t lose heart... majority of the patient recover fully in 3-6 months. A small number of them tend to have residual permanent weakness in the pumping function of the heart.
Life style management with respect to daily physical activity guidance, amount of fluid and salt intake guidance and heart failure medications will help in the recovery. Monitoring and regular review with your cardiologist is of utmost importance as some of the medications for heart failure at not favourable for breast feeding mothers
You will need to discuss with your cardiologist and Obstetrician regarding future pregnancies as the risk of post partum cardiomyopathy and its severity is increased in the subsequent pregnancy