Peri-partum (or Postpartum) Cardiomyopathy (PPCM)

I got the call almost a week ago that someone close to me had been admitted to the hospital for congestive heart failure.  A few days later, it was discovered that she actually suffered from something called Peri-partum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) or Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM).  Being 8 months pregnant myself, the possibility that I could be at risk (being told that it affected older moms-to-be) I plan on talking with my doctor at our next visit.  But that wasn't soon enough, so I hit Google.  I came across sad stories that I couldn't finish, medical text that I couldn't understand and then a website that seemed to explain it a little more plainly.  Learning that it was not something that only affects older moms and that medical staff can dismiss the symptoms (which is exactly what happened to my friend), I felt it important to share with other moms.  I am not a doctor and this is not meant to scare anyone. I just want to encourage all moms to be persistant when it comes to their health.  If my friend had waited one more day before going to the hospital, she would not be here to care for her newborn.

Here is some of the information I found on the web.  If there is a better website out there, please feel free to share.

Peri-partum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a relatively rare disease
estimated to occur in 1 in 3000- 4000 pregnancies

A disorder caused by current or recent pregnancy where the heart muscle is weakened and cannot pump blood efficiently; decreased heart function affects the lungs, liver, and other body systems.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors, Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by current pregnancy or delivery within the last 4 months. The disorder affects approximately 4 out of 10,000 women. It may occur at ages 18 to 41 but it is most common after age 30. Other risk factors include obesity, having a personal or family history of cardiac disorders such as myocarditis, use of certain medications, smoking, alcoholism, multiple pregnancies, being black, and being malnourished. Cardiomyopathy occurs when there is damage to the heart with muscle degeneration and scarring (fibrosis). Symptoms may develop more rapidly than other cardiomyopathies and include the symptoms of heart failure.