Cardiomyopathies and heart failure in pregnancy

Abstract

Treatment of cardiomyopathies (CM) and heart failure (HF) in pregnancy is based on the respective guidelines with some pregnancy-specific limitations. CM is a rare but serious cause of HF and currently the most frequent cause of maternal mortality in pregnancy. All forms of CM may occur in pregnancy, but peripartum CM (PPCM) is a specific and dangerous manifestation. Some new treatment options are arising based on its precise pathophysiology. Dilated CM (DCM) has a high risk of deterioration in pregnancy. In contrast, hypertrophic CM (HCM) is frequently tolerated well. Delivery should be well planned and some limitations on breastfeeding should be considered. HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) does presently not appear to be a major clinical problem in pregnancy.