Postpartum Cardiomyopathy

On December 12, 2007 my twenty-two year old granddaughter visited her aunt who had been hospitalized. She walked into the hospital collapsed and died.  The autopsy report stated that she died from Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM). PPCM is   an onset of heart failure which can occur during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months postpartum.  My granddaughter had given birth to a beautiful son in September, 2007.

Postpartum Cardiomyopathy Learning Curve

Prior to her death, she had gone to a medical facility on December 10, 2007 complaining with chest, back, and arm pains.  The medical facility staff took her vital signs and indicated to her that everything was stable. So, they sent her home, advised her to take some Tylenol and call her doctor for an appointment.

Postpartum Cardiomyopathy Seriousness

In spite of the seriousness of this rare disease, my granddaughter was not informed about Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) during her pregnancy nor was she informed or tested for it on December 10, 2007 even though she had the symptoms and fell in the five months postpartum range. Although this is a rare disease of unknown cause it strikes women in the child bearing years, however prominent information as with Toxemia doesn’t exist. Women need to be told about this disease.  Until this devastating incident with my granddaughter I had never heard of it.  Research also indicates that African American women are at a higher risk.

For those of you who are pregnant or may become pregnant ask your doctor about it because it does exist.  Doctors may or may not voluntarily inform you about the disease.  No body informed us. If diagnosed in time it can be treated.

Postpartum Cardiomyopathy Helpful Notes

I am telling my story not that it will bring my granddaughter back, but hopefully it will help someone else.

If you want more information go on the internet to Google and type in P.P.C.M

I hope that this story will be printed because it needs to be told.  Maybe someone else life can be saved from Postpartum Cardiomyopathy.

Postpartum Cardiomyopathy