Description
Description (article abstract):
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a life-threatening pregnancy-associated condition that often develops within the last month of pregnancy and up to 5 months postpartum. Although it is uncommon, the incidence in the United States is on the rise, especially among Black individuals. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for long-term health and recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction. Most people with PPCM will recover with time, but a multidisciplinary team is needed to help with long-term treatment. Informed contraception counseling is also needed to minimize the incidence of subsequent pregnancy prior to recovery, which could worsen conditions. The purpose of this article is to review PPCM and discuss early recognition and management options, which may minimize complications and improve outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
- Examine the risk factors and physiology leading to the diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM).
- Analyze how the diagnostic and management approach may impact outcomes for individuals with PPCM.
- Evaluate nursing care unique to individuals with PPCM during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
Citation:
LeBlanc, C. A., & Johnson, K. (2022). Early recognition and treatment for optimal care of individuals with peripartum cardiomyopathy. Nursing for Women’s Health, 26(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2022.05.004
Faculty & Faculty Disclosures:
Courtney A. LeBlanc, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC
Kathryn Johnson, MSN, RN
The authors and planners of this learning activity report no conflicts of interest or relevant financial relationships. No commercial support was received for this learning activity.
Publication:
Nursing for Women’s Health
Nursing Contact Hours:
1.5 nursing contact hours (0.4 may be used as pharmacology hours) (CNE available until August 5, 2025)
AWHONN Accreditation Statement
The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Accredited status does not imply endorsement by AWHONN or the ANCC of any commercial products displayed or discussed in conjunction with an educational activity. AWHONN is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider # CEP580.
Copyright© 2022 by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any other means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy recording without permission in writing from the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.
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Keywords: Black, cardiovascular, health equity, heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction, peripartum cardiomyopathy, pregnancy
Target Audience: women’s health, obstetric, and neonatal nurses