Childbirth is meant to bring joy and satisfaction, but sometimes, the experience may feel like a bad dream. Many people do not know this, but there is a cardiovascular disease associated with childbirth. The condition is called postpartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM).
Postpartum cardiomyopathy works through inflammatory processes that damage the heart. This can cause a previously completely healthy woman to suddenly experience heart failure within a couple of hours or days, and sometimes even months after child delivery.
Postpartum cardiomyopathy: Be alert to these warning signs
Knowing symptoms of heart failure will enable you to watch out for them and seek medical attention right away. The warning signs highlighted below may not all show up at once, and it is easy to dismiss them as normal pregnancy or postpartum symptoms.
The signs include, but are not limited to:
- Palpitations
- Running out of breath
- Night coughing
- Difficult breathing on exertion
- Shortness of breath when you lie flat
- Swelling around the knees
- Chest pain
How medical professionals diagnose and treat postpartum cardiomyopathy
One thing you should know about heart failure is that it may be hard to identify because the heart can make up for any damage done. You will have to go through a series of tests to make sure you get the correct diagnosis. One effective diagnostic test is the echocardiogram. It can help your doctor to determine if you have heart failure and how badly affected your left ventricle is.
Since the symptoms of postpartum cardiomyopathy are also seen in numerous other medical conditions, your doctor will take care during diagnosis to rightly identify your condition as PPCM. You will undergo a blood test to measure your brain natriuretic peptide levels which can reveal whether or not your heart is damaged. Your lungs may be examined for fluid as well. Some other tests that you will go through are ECG, echocardiogram, MRI, and a heart muscle biopsy.
Once your condition is confirmed as PPCM, a team of healthcare providers will swing into action and place you under close observation. If you gain weight during the couple of days that follow, it may be an indication of fluid buildup in your lungs; a sign that you are getting worse. Medical professionals will work together to determine the right treatment for you. Some possible treatment options are to administer beta blockers, anticoagulants, bromocriptine, and diuretics.
Lifestyle changes for women with postpartum cardiomyopathy
As part of your treatment, your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes to help manage your condition. You could be asked to stay away from foods that are high in salt and fat. You will have to quit smoking and stop drinking alcohol if you do those things, keep an eye on your weight, and exercise daily. Your doctor will help you determine the right kind of workout that will help improve the state of your heart.
Should you have more children if you have postpartum cardiomyopathy?
Your doctor could advise you not to get pregnant again, since it increases the risk of PPCM showing up again. When deciding whether or not to have more children, health experts usually consider the extent of your recovery.
If you attain complete recovery from PPCM, you may attempt another pregnancy but your doctor will continue to monitor you. Stress tests and echocardiograms will be set up to analyze your heart’s performance and see how it holds up under strain. Keep in mind, however, that even if your heart is healed completely, there is still a risk of suffering PPCM again if you get pregnant.
When does surgery come in?
There are times when lifestyle changes and medications are not effective enough. This is where surgery and other procedures come into the picture. They can include:
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
- Ventricular assist device
- Heart transplant
How to cope with your postpartum cardiomyopathy
You can gain emotional support by talking to a close friend, a loved one, a mental health professional, or by joining a support group. Pouring out your deepest feelings and sharing your challenges with the people that have your best interests at heart can help you get started on the path to recovery.
Pregnant women should acquaint themselves with the symptoms of postpartum cardiomyopathy and keep in touch with their doctor. Any concerns or abnormal feelings should be communicated immediately.