Peripartum cardiomyopathy: Rare but potentially fatal cardiovascular disorder can strike healthy pregnant women
Wednesday, July 15, 2015 - 11:30
in Health & Medicine
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disorder characterized by weakened pumping of the heart, or "left ventricular dysfunction," which results in otherwise healthy pregnant women experiencing heart failure shortly before or up to five months after they deliver healthy babies. Despite the seriousness of this condition, a new study revealed that no significant research has been undertaken to explore how to prevent or treat this disorder. In fact, only three studies of possible treatments have ever been conducted, and only two of those have shown any promise.