Mysterious heart ailment that strikes new moms

Heart disease is the number one killer of women. Doctors around the country are reporting a mysterious heart ailment that strikes young women who are pregnant.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a mysterious heart ailment. It strikes some women just before or after the birth of their baby and it's potentially fatal.

Dr. David Sabgir of Riverside (Methodist) Hospital says the heart enlarges, weakens and pumps less blood; the patient gets very short of breath.

This is not a common problem but it is a serious one. So, early diagnosis and treatment is imperative. If you're pregnant and you notice symptoms such as extreme weakness and shortness of breath be sure to tell your doctor.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• ohiohealth
• riverside
• Peripartum cardiomyopathy
• heart disease
• women
• pregnant

[kristencarlson21]

@SaoirseBonnieLass ................ I was dianosed with PPMC 2 years ago. I am in the same boat. I really want another baby but I really don't know what kind of risk I am taking if I do so.

[SaoirseBonnieLass]

I was diagnosed with PPCM just 5 days after my baby was born, at Riverside hospital too! lol...it is scary. I cudnt even breath when I was holding my son to nurse him. I was only 18. I'm now 25, my son is 6. I eat right, exercise regurlarly. I gained 90 lbs with my pregnancy and a year after I lost 100 and have kept it off. yet..my heart function is still less than perfect. I want to have one more baby, I'm aching for a lil girl...but I'm scared about trying to go thru with it.