How can I manage my CHF in the Postpartum?

Low sodium diet and fluid restriction

Medication management Cardiovascular

rehabilitation Regular visits with

cardiologist Daily diary to record

weight and BP

What is CHF in the Postpartum?Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is idiopathic cardiomyopathy presenting with left ventricular systolic dysfunction that occurs during one month before delivery or within five months postpartum.

Symptoms and when should I call the doctor?

increasing shortness of breath

fatigue lower extremity swelling unable to lie flat when

sleeping Weight gain > 3-4# per

day

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILU

Common Medications for CHF

- Diuretics- Beta blockers- Nitrates- Hydralazine

***caution should be taken when during pregnancy and when breast feeding- be sure to notify your doctor or pharmacist

Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit

Statistics of CHF in the Postpartum

About half of all women will have full myocardial recovery within six months of diagnosis

An important distinction between PPCM and other patients with cardiomyopathy is that with this disorder women have a much higher rate of spontaneous recovery of left ventricular function on echocardiography in post-partum period; nearly half of the women will normalize their ejection fraction during follow up within six months.