Addressing underdiagnoses of pregnancy-related heart failure

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but life-threatening condition that can affect women with previously healthy hearts a few weeks before or after giving birth. It causes a severe reduction in the pumping capacity of the left ventricle. PPCM affects fewer than 1,500 to 2,000 pregnant women. It strikes without warning and can lead to severe heart failure…