Broken hearts in young mothers

1. If you are looking for a competent center in your country, please contact : PPCM@mh-hannover.de or www.hatter.uct.ac.za Information on cardiac problems during and after pregnancy Broken hearts in young mothers

2. Cardiac insufficiency in late pregnancy and postpartum What you can do, if you notice one of the following symptoms In rare cases women develop heart failure shortly before or during giving birth or within the first few months after delivery. This disease is called peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). PPCM occurs even in women who had never experienced any cardiac problems before their pregnancy and felt completely well during pregnancy. The disease may develop suddenly (within a few hours) or slowly over a few weeks or months. PPCM can lead to permanent heart failure needing heart transplantation or death. A large percentage of patients (up to 40%) has to face permanent damage of their heart needing lifelong medication. In cases where permanent cardiac damage is apparent, subsequent pregnancy should be avoided due to a high risk for mother and child. It is therefore important to get an early diagnose and seek treatment by contacting one of the expert medical centers. • Symptoms associated with PPCM: • shortness of breath • unproductive caugh • Oedema in extremities • Fatique • Palpitations, Cardiac arrhytmias • Depressions You should consult a cardiologist because only cardiac ultra sound (echocardiography) or MRI can provide a clear diagnosis. ECG is not suited. Since it is often difficult to distinguish PPCM symptoms form normal pregnancy/birth associated problems, expert advice is mandatory.