Peripartum cardiomyopathy and the path to recovery: The role of structured cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but serious condition resulting from structural and functional cardiac impairment in the late stages of pregnancy or shortly after delivery. The patient, a 33-year-old healthy woman, presented with sudden onset of shortness of breath, fatigue and chest discomfort five days after an uncomplicated full-term vaginal delivery following an uneventful pregnancy. Diagnostic workup confirmed a PPCM. Following a multidisciplinary approach, the patient underwent a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program which included 24 supervised biweekly exercise training sessions, a home-exercise program and a once-weekly group psycho-behavioral intervention. After 12 weeks, the patient showed substantial improvements in functional capacity, cardiac function, and quality of life. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis, timely intervention, and the central role of cardiac rehabilitation in the management of PPCM.