HEART HEALTH LATE-PREGNANCY & POST-PARTUM…ARE YOU AT HIGHER RISK?

Emotionally and physically, your heart works harder during pregnancy. Peripartum Cardiomyopathy is a rare, but serious condition that can affects high-risk women during their third trimester through five months post-partum, however, most often it occurs soon after delivery. If you experience sudden fluid weight gain with shortness of breath, it might be a sign of a weakened heart muscle making it harder for your body to pump blood efficiently and effectively.

Risk Factors:

• Women with black ancestry due to a genetic predisposition

• Pre-eclampsia, a high blood pressure condition

• Advanced maternal age, and yes, that is >30 years old.

• Multiple gestation pregnancy

• Obesity prior to getting pregnant.

• Diabetes

• Smoking & alcohol use

• Poor nutrition

• Certain medications

• Idiopathic…aka they don’t know.

Symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath with activity & when lying flat

2. Swelling of ankles & feet

3. Dry Cough

4. Chest pain or tightness

5. Fatigue

6. Heart palpitations

7. Frequent nighttime urination

8. Low blood pressure (light headed, especially upon standing up)

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it means your heart might be working too hard and may need extra help. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a dangerous condition that requires immediate attention from your physician.

Prevention: Obviously we can’t control everything, but here are six tips to maximize your heart health

1. Eating a healthy balanced diet.

2. Get regular exercise.

3. Avoid smoking & alcohol.

4. Obesity management

5. Stress management…yoga, mediation & mindfulness are all great stress management tools.

6. Know your family history and if you are at higher risk.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, there are programs, like the one at Penn Medicine, that specialize in pregnancy & heart disease management. Remember you have to take care of yourself to better care for your baby.

• Luck, Love & Light, XO Rachel