Cardiomyopathy Peripartum

Question: What is the likelihood of peripartum cardiomyopathy re-occurring?

Answer: I suffered from peripartum cardiomyopathy after a stillbirth in February of 2002. I did a lot of research at that time, because I still wanted to have a child. Sadly, the statistics are pretty grim. You have a better chance (I THINK it's almost 80%) of the cardiomyopathy returning, and the fatality rate rises upon recurrence of peripartum cardiomyopathy. My ejection fraction returned to normal after 14 months, and my cardiologist still says that he is guarded in allowing me to attempt another pregnancy. He is a specialist in cardiomyopathy, and he would not recommend another pregnancy, but will work with me if I choose to try. He has recommended that PRIOR to pregnancy, I see him, I see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, and a high risk obstetrician. I wish you the best of luck in the future.

Question: which cardiomyopathy has better prognosis? peripartum or takotsubo? which has better prognosis? peripartum cardiomyopathy or takotsubo?

Answer: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has better prognosis than Peripartum cardiomyopathy.(I am unable to quote the authority except the following.) In the case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, some research reports say that prognosis was good without any form of treatment, provided that the patients survived the severe heart failure state. Catecholaminergic or adrenoceptor-hyperactive cardiomyopathy may be the cause of this cardiomyopathy. In peripartum cardiomyopathy, about 50% of women make a spontaneous and full recovery. Most case fatalities occur close to presentation. Recent data show a 5 year survival of 94%. Prognosis and recurrence depend on the normalization of left ventricular sixze within 6 months of delivery. Those women with severe myocardial dysfunction , defined as LV end diastolic dimension >/=6cm and functional shortening </= 21% are unlikely to regain normal cardiac function on follow-up. Those whose LV function and size do not return to normal within 6 months and prior to a subsequent pregnancy are at significant risk of worsening heart failure (50%) and death (25%) or recurrent peripartum cardiomyopathy in the next pregnancy. They should therefore be advised against pregnancy.

Question: anybody every have peripartum cardiomyopathy and what's your prognosis?

Answer: i have peripartum cardiomyopathy and this is my story ....i got pregnant with my little girl and had the most perfect pregnancy no sickness or nothing well i had her via c-section everything went well i had her on a friday and was home on sunday well on monday i was'nt feeling well so i went and took a shower i thought i was going to pass out i could not breath i just thought i had pnumonia and i would go to the dr and get medicine and come home well that is not how it went at all i went to the dr's office and they sent me to they sent me to the hospital and they did a blood gas and it was low and they put me in and treated me for pnumonia and i stayed until friday got out and i was so swelled that when i got home i had to go to my regular dr and she sent me for an echocardiogrm and it showed i had an enlarged heart and i was in heart failure so she sent me on to the heart dr and now i am on medication and have a defibulator my ef is only 30 % but i am here and that is all that matters if you would like to talk you can email me at oneangelinva@netzero.net

Question: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy? I went to the ER tonight because my leg and ankle were swollen and because i just had a baby i was worried about blood clots, they did chest xrays and an ultra sound everything came back good, but on my blood test something was elevated not alot but enough for him to be cautious so he is having me get an ecocardiogram, What exactly is Peripartum Cardiomyopathy and if one does get it, does it just go away like many other things associated with pregnancies do?

Answer: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare disorder in which a weakened heart is diagnosed within the final month of pregnancy or within 5 months after delivery. Cardiomyopathy occurs when there is damage to the heart. As a result, the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot pump blood efficiently. Decreased heart function affects the lungs, liver, and other body systems. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy in which no other cause of heart dysfunction (weakened heart) can be identified. In the United States, peripartum cardiomyopathy complicates 1 in every 1,300 - 4,000 deliveries. It may occur in childbearing women of any age, but it is most common after age 30. Risk factors include obesity, having a personal history of cardiac disorders such as myocarditis, use of certain medications, smoking, alcoholism, multiple pregnancies, being African-American, and being malnourished. EDIT: Please see your doctor who can refer you to a cardiologist for follow up and treatment -- dont' wait as once you are on medication you will feel much better. The cardiologist can then talk with you regarding the prognosis and what you can do to make the quality of life better. Unfortunately, once the heart is damaged it does not get better. Don't worry about it. Wait to get the word from the Cardiologist as to what if anything is wrong with you. When you went to the ER they probably were just erring on the side of caution. Good Luck and God Bless

Question: Is dexamethasone also a chemotherapy pill? I took it for 2 years because of infertility issues and now I read that one cause of my new discovered peripartum cardiomyopathy could be the use of chemotherapy pills. Thank u!!!

Answer: Also known as Decadron. It is a steroid. There are no known side effects related to heart function. Usage is to reduce nausea (it has a synergistic effect with Zofran) and to suppress the immune system so the chemo can do its job.