Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), is an often unrecognized form of heart failure that occurs during pregnancy or up to 6 months postpartum. The condition weakens the heart muscle and causes the heart to become enlarged. As a result, the heart can't pump blood properly to the rest of the body.

Symptoms of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy includes:

Rapid heartbeat or Palpitations

Heavy Chest Pains

Excessive Fatigue

Tiredness during physical activity

Shortness of breath

Swelling of feet and ankles

Increased Urination at night.

Does this sound familiar?

PPCM warning signs can mimic pregnancy signs!

There's no known factor to diagnose it, which is why, many PPCM patient's symptoms worsen after birth, causing them to need Medical Devices, Heart Transplants or Even lose their life!

If all obstetricians ran a pro-BNP blood test during 36+ weeks gestation, more PPCM patients will have a 90% chance of recovering.

More awareness is needed for PPCM so that women who will be diagnosed can be given timely and appropriate treatment.

Know the signs, and ask questions.

Risk Factors:

• Older maternal age (>30 years old);

• Pre-eclampsia

• Eclampsia

• Postpartum high blood pressure

• African American race

• Maternal cocaine abuse

Possible Causes:

• Angiogenic imbalance

• Altered prolactin processing

• Genetic, inflammatory, hormonal, hemodynamic, and autoimmune factors