Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Long-Term Pregnancy Risks Persist Despite Heart Recovery

Women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) may face increased risks for relapse and other cardiovascular events in future pregnancies, regardless of whether their left ventricular (LV) function recovers. A study found that adverse maternal outcomes were significantly worse among those with persisting LV dysfunction compared to those with recovered LV function. The risk of relapsed PPCM persisted up to 8 years. The study highlights the need for long-term follow-up and multidisciplinary care for women with PPCM, as mortality rates remain high over time. The findings suggest that complete recovery of cardiac function after PPCM does not guarantee a favorable outcome in subsequent pregnancies, and caution should be exercised in considering future pregnancies for women with a history of PPCM.