Recap: How common does Peripartum cardiomyopathy occur and what would you tell women about it whom are currently pregnant?

Question 7: Peripartum cardiomyopathy refers to the development of heart failure due to pregnancy. How common does this occur and what would you tell women about it whom are currently pregnant?

Heart Failure Society of America @HFSA

• Peripartum cardiomyopathy refers to the new development of #heartfailure in a woman in the final month prior to childbirth or the 1st few months after pregnancy. Fortunately, it is rare – estimates say b/w 1000-1300 women in the US will be diagnosed each year. #HFChat2023

• It can be difficult for women to recognize the symptoms at first due to the fact that mild shortness of breath, swelling of ankles, and fatigue are common during pregnancy and immediately afterwards. #HFChat2023
   
• Symptoms that women should bring to the attention of their physician include: severe shortness of breath w/ mild exertion, significant lower extremity swelling, chest pain, & passing out. #HFChat2023
   
• Fortunately, many cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy respond to medical treatment and resulting normal heart function. #HFChat2023

The Heart Brothers Foundation @HeartBrothers1

• According to @American_Heart, #peripartumcardiomyopathy is rare in the US, Canada, & Europe, & strikes up to 1,300 American women each year. #HFWeek2023 #HFChat2023 #AmericanHeartAssociation

• PPCM develops in the last month of #pregnancy. It can be difficult to diagnose because many symptoms are similar to #thirdtrimester symptoms: fatigue, shortness of breath, weight gain, swollen ankles, & waking up at night. #HFWeek2023 #HFChat2023 #PPCM
   
• If you are pregnant and experience any of the symptoms we just listed, or chest pain or heart palpitations, absolutely consult your physician. #HFWeek2023 #HFChat2023 #PPCM

Mended Hearts @MendedHearts

• @ACCinTouch is doing great work in this area, and we would refer patients to their resources. #HFChat2023 #HFWeek2023

Women Heart @WomenHeartOrg

• Women should trust their bodies and what they’re feeling. Not all symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath & more are simply due to pregnancy or the postpartum period. Advocate for yourself if something isn’t right. It could be your heart. #HFChat2023 #HFWeek2023
   
• Listen to this WomenHeart Champion tell her story of fighting to be heard when presenting to the ED with peripartum cardiomyopathy. #HFWeek2023 #HFChat2023
   
• Here’s a great resource on pregnancy & heart disease. #HFChat2023 #HFWeek2023 https://womenheart.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pregnancy_infographic_FINAL.pdf