7. Pregnancy Complications: Cardiomyopathy in the Wake of Motherhood
Next on our list is a cause that is specific to women: pregnancy. A small percentage of women may develop a condition known as peripartum cardiomyopathy, a rare form of heart failure that occurs during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months after giving birth.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy presents a bit of a medical mystery, as it can occur in women with no known risk factors. What’s known is that, in this condition, the heart chambers enlarge, and the muscle weakens, leading to less effective blood pumping. This condition can lead to severe heart failure, arrhythmias, or thromboembolisms.
Symptoms of peripartum cardiomyopathy can be tricky to identify as they often mimic normal discomforts of pregnancy and postpartum recovery, including fatigue, swelling in the ankles, and shortness of breath. However, if these symptoms become severe or persistent, they may indicate peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Though peripartum cardiomyopathy is a serious condition, the prognosis can be quite good with appropriate treatment. Some women may see their heart function return to normal within a year of their diagnosis. However, they may be advised to avoid future pregnancies, as the condition can recur.
The role of pregnancy in cardiomyopathy underscores the complex interplay of factors that can contribute to this group of diseases. It serves as a reminder that anyone, regardless of age, sex, or overall health, can be affected. (7)
