Postpartum Cardiomyopathy

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 9, 2006

I would really discuss this with your family doctor. (I know standard answer)---but it's true. He/she really knows your history best and can best assess your risk (or lack of) developing this troublesome, yet rare complication. I would make it a point to see an OB/GYN for some pre-conception planning as soon as you can.

Good luck to you. I wish you health and happiness.

carachel2 · Jan 9, 2006

I have a quick question. My grandmother passed away in her late 60's with cardiomyopathy-not sure what origin, whether dilated, idiopathic, etc. My question? Will this increase my risk of developing cardiomyopathy during my pregnancy? I am in great health, normal weight, 24 yrs. old. Always had normal checkups w/ the doc. Have had a normal ECHO in the past. Hubby and I have no kids yet, but I'm kind of afraid to try because of the risk of developing this....I work on a cardiac unit so I know what to look for, treatments, etc..it just has me worried.

Hi there...I was just browsing your forum and saw this post. I am a cardiac nurse who also had peripartum cardiomyopathy. I also am an active participant on a PPCM website as well. There are a few cases of documented familial PPCM...but they are very rare. My advice to you would be to obtain a baseline, pre-pg echo (which you have already done) and go from there.

Being aware of the signs and symptoms of PPCM and having a Dr. who is aware of your history will go a long way towards recognizing any early signs and symptoms. The majority of the women on our website are/were just like you described yourself..healthy, in shape, fit, etc....and it still happened. The latest research is pointing to an autoimmune response.

Altalorraine · Jan 9, 2006

I have a quick question. My grandmother passed away in her late 60's with cardiomyopathy-not sure what origin, whether dilated, idiopathic, etc. My question? Will this increase my risk of developing cardiomyopathy during my pregnancy? I am in great health, normal weight, 24 yrs. old. Always had normal checkups w/ the doc. Have had a normal ECHO in the past. Hubby and I have no kids yet, but I'm kind of afraid to try because of the risk of developing this....I work on a cardiac unit so I know what to look for, treatments, etc..it just has me worried.

"Cardiomyopathy" is a general descriptive term of a clinical condition; there are many causes. I can't find anything in the literature that suggests that family history of CMP in a nonpregnant relative is a risk factor for peripartum CMP.

Altalorraine

carachel2 · Jan 9, 2006

"Cardiomyopathy" is a general descriptive term of a clinical condition; there are many causes. I can't find anything in the literature that suggests that family history of CMP in a nonpregnant relative is a risk factor for peripartum CMP.
Altalorraine

Actually, there is some debate about this but you won't find any in literature. PPCM in general is a VERY under researched phenomenan. The possibility of a genetic link is just now being investigated. On our internet board there are several cases of mother and then daughter PPCM and several sister cases. There are also at least three reported cases of women with PPCM who sought subsequent pregancies via a surrogate (i.e. their own eggs were transferred to the surrogate) and then the surrogate came down with PPCM.

Again, I would emphasize the risk is very small...but we are just now starting to do good solid research on PPCM. I think you are wise to raise an eyebrow about your possibility, but it would be futile at this point to actually *worry* about it because the risk (so far) is quite small and not precisely established.

Altalorraine · Jan 10, 2006

Actually, there is some debate about this but you won't find any in literature. PPCM in general is a VERY under researched phenomenan. The possibility of a genetic link is just now being investigated. On our internet board there are several cases of mother and then daughter PPCM and several sister cases. There are also at least three reported cases of women with PPCM who sought subsequent pregancies via a surrogate (i.e. their own eggs were transferred to the surrogate) and then the surrogate came down with PPCM.
Again, I would emphasize the risk is very small...but we are just now starting to do good solid research on PPCM. I think you are wise to raise an eyebrow about your possibility, but it would be futile at this point to actually *worry* about it because the risk (so far) is quite small and not precisely established.

There may well be such a thing as familial PPCM, but what I said is there is no evidence that CMP in nonpregnant/non-postpartum family members is linked to a risk for PPCM.

Altalorraine