Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a form of systolic heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) affecting childbearing women during pregnancy or in the early postpartum period. Delays in diagnosis may occur because the symptoms and signs of PPCM can mimic the normal findings of late pregnancy and the peripartum period. As family physicians, when a patient comes with evidence of heart failure it is important to have a knowledge about medications used to treat HF during pregnancy and lactation. Since subsequent pregnancies carry risk of relapse, and dedicated counselling and monitoring are essential too. Here we discuss about the definition, risk factors, prognostic factors and will provide recommendations for diagnosis, acute and chronic management, and important counselling considerations including breastfeeding and subsequent pregnancies.