Patient Advocacy

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When you're pregnant or newly postpartum, it's easy to brush off symptoms as "normal." But if something doesn't feel right, speak up. You deserve to be heard, supported, and tested.

Patient advocacy means standing up for your health—asking questions, requesting the right tests, and making sure your concerns are taken seriously. At LetsTalkPPCM, we empower mothers to advocate for themselves in a system that too often overlooks heart health in women—especially postpartum.

If you’re experiencing unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, chest pain, rapid weight gain, or a racing heart, ask your doctor directly:

• "Could this      be related to my heart?"
• "Can I get a      BNP or NT-proBNP blood test to check for heart strain?"
• "Can you      check my heart with an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)?"
• "Can you      refer me to a cardiologist just to be safe?"
• "Is this      normal postpartum recovery, or could it be something more?"

These are simple, often covered tests that can detect PPCM or other heart issues early:

• BNP or      NT-proBNP: Blood tests that measure heart strain.
• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of your heart that  checks how well it’s pumping.
• Electrocardiogram  (EKG/ECG):  Measures electrical activity in the heart.
• Chest X-ray: To check for fluid in your lungs.
• Cardiac MRI  (if needed):  Offers a more detailed view of the heart.

Even if you feel nervous or dismissed, you have the right to demand care:

• Bring  someone with you to appointments for support.
• Write your symptoms down before  the visit so you don’t forget anything.
• Use strong,  direct language

“I’m very concerned about my heart. I want a BNP test and echocardiogram today.”

• Don’t accept ‘It’s just anxiety’ or ‘You’re just tired from the baby.’
      PPCM is often misdiagnosed as stress or postpartum depression.
• Ask for a second opinion if needed. Trust your instincts.

At LetsTalkPPCM, we believe every mother deserves to survive postpartum. You’re not alone—and your voice could be the start of your healing.

📲 Need help speaking up? 

Download our free Patient Advocacy Toolkit or talk to a Heart Sister advocate today.

👉 Share your story or get support: https://letstalkppcm.org/share-your-story-1 or  Get in touch 

• Shortness of breath (especially lying down)
• Extreme fatigue  beyond normal postpartum
• Swelling in legs, ankles, or hands
• Chest pain or  pressure
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Sudden weight gain
• Coughing, especially at night