Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare form of weakening of the heart muscle that appears in the last weeks of pregnancy or in the months after delivery, when the heart has difficulty pumping blood normally.

Common symptoms: These may include shortness of breath on exertion or when lying down, marked fatigue, swelling of the legs, and palpitations, symptoms that are sometimes confused with normal postpartum changes.

When to seek care? It is important to evaluate any breathing difficulty or unusual tiredness during pregnancy or after birth.

Who treats it? The cardiologist evaluates heart function, in coordination with the obstetrician-gynecologist who manages the pregnancy or the puerperium; the general practitioner can guide the first visit. If you have these signs, the prudent step is to discuss it promptly with a health professional.