Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

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Abstract
Heart failure in the puerperium has been recognized since the 18th century, but cardiomyopathy was not identified as its cause until an article by Gouley et al was published in 1937.1 Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is now considered to be a cardiomyopathy of unknown cause that occurs in the peripartum period in women without preexisting heart disease.2,3 Peripartum cardiomyopathy is relatively rare, but can be devastating, with reported mortality rates between 18% and 56%.3-5 Survivors may not recover completely and may require heart transplantation. Even if left ventricular function does return to normal, exercise tolerance may remain abnormal and the long-term sequelae, including risks of future pregnancies, are not known.

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