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Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Abstract:

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare condition occurring in healthy women with no history of cardiac disease. Unfortunately for those affected, there are few warning signs. The etiology remains unknown and reoccurrence in subsequent pregnancies may occur. The clinical manifestations are easily confused with the normal haemodynamic changes of pregnancy, which often leads to misdiagnosis and subsequent delay in appropriate medical therapy. The prognosis appears to depend on the rapidity with which the heart returns to normal size... The midwife plays an important role in providing support and education to both the woman and her family throughout her treatment and recovery.

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antenatal or postpartum heart failure, maternal cardiac disease, peripartum cardiomyopathy