Peripartum Cardiomyopathy and Myocardial Recovery

Abstract

229 Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a pregnancy-related myocardial disease characterized by the development of heart failure due to left ventricular (LV) dysfunction without an underlying cause during the last month of pregnancy and up to five months postdelivery1,2. It carries considerable morbidity and mortality risk for the mother and fetus; however, recovery of the myocardium is possible1-5. Several risk factors have been implicated in the recovery and the risk of relapse, such as certain ethnic groups and LV dimension assessed by echocardiography at the time of diagnosis6-9. The characteristics of this disease in our community are yet to be known.