What is the likelihood of peripartum cardiomyopathy re-occurring?

I suffered from peripartum cardiomyopathy after a stillbirth in February of 2002. I did a lot of research at that time, because I still wanted to have a child. Sadly, the statistics are pretty grim. You have a better chance (I THINK it's almost 80%) of the cardiomyopathy returning, and the fatality rate rises upon recurrence of peripartum cardiomyopathy.

My ejection fraction returned to normal after 14 months, and my cardiologist still says that he is guarded in allowing me to attempt another pregnancy. He is a specialist in cardiomyopathy, and he would not recommend another pregnancy, but will work with me if I choose to try.

He has recommended that PRIOR to pregnancy, I see him, I see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, and a high risk obstetrician.

I wish you the best of luck in the future.

The rates for re-occurrence are not that grim, I suffered from PPCM also. It usually depends on what your original EF was and whether your EF returns to normal.The site www.amothersheart.org is also a great site there are a lot of women who have had a subsequent pregnancy and been fine. Report It

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Why are you on Yahoo answers?

Pretty good judging by your complexion.

So you've got a disease of your heart muslce?
Well. Maybe you should be discussing this with a doctor instead of people here.

Answers here arn't very reliable when it comes to medical s hit.

When you've had a bout with heart disease, the likelihood of recurrance is pretty high. Changes in lifestyle, diet, and stress triggers are helpful, but your genes and heredity play a part, too. The cardiomyopathy can lead to additional health issues, many brought on by inactivity that is a necessary side effect of the disease.

In my opinion, the likelihood is pretty high.

If the heart is not severely impaired and the condition is linked to the use of alcohol or some other toxic medication, sometimes the heart can return to normal if exposure to the toxic substance ends.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare form of congestive heart failure that develops either in late pregnancy or in the first five months after delivery. It typically involves the left ventricle of the heart, which is enlarged and not pumping efficiently (aka dilated cardiomyopathy). Its incidence varies by geographic location.

I've heard of cardiomyopathy before (in fact, a good friend's father has a genetic form of it), but I never heard of peripartum cardiomyopathy until reading your question. So I looked it up online and found some very interesting and informative web pages on the topic. Maybe you have too, but if not, below is a list of pages you might find helpful.

In the meantime, good luck, and I hope you do NOT have a recurrance of the disorder! :)