Peripartum cardiomyopathy. “Babies are breaking my heart!”

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) affects approximately 1 in 3000–4000 postpartum women in the USA. In other parts of the world, such as Nigeria, the numbercan be as high as 1 in 100. Risk factors for developing PPCM include multiparity, multiple gestations, obesity, chronic hypertension, pregnancy-related hypertension, age > 25 years old, African descent, and prolonged use of tocolytics. Reported mortality varies depending on the study from 0% to 9%.