Purpose of review: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an important condition with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Patients with PPCM are at risk of developing life-long cardiac disease, requiring regular management and medical intervention. This article conducts a review of recent literature and gives insight into this disease.
Recent findings: There is promising research in the fields of vascular, hormonal and genetics. A number of genetic markers are being analyzed; including TTNC1, TTN and STAT3. Mutations to these genes have been found to be prevalent in PPCM. These combined with the secretion of placental angiogenic factors potentially create imbalance in angiogenesis as the primary etiology.
Summary: Current biomarkers do not differentiate between PPCM and other variants of heart failure. Women with PPCM are more likely to have a cesarean section, have hypertensive disease, at greater risk of major adverse cardiac events and to have lifelong morbidity.
Keywords: cardiomyopathies; heart failure; peripartum cardiomyopathy; preeclampsia; pregnancy.