title: Arrhythmias in peripartum cardiomyopathy.
abstract: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a complication of late pregnancy and the early postpartum period characterized by dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Approximately half of women fail to recover left ventricular function. Standard management of heart failure is indicated, with some exceptions for women who are predelivery or breastfeeding. Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias are reported in PPCM, but the frequency of arrhythmias in this condition is not well characterized. Management of PPCM-associated arrhythmias may include antiarrhythmic drugs, catheter ablation, and wearable or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Further research is needed on the prevalence, natural history, and optimal management of arrhythmias in PPCM.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Honigberg
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Electronic address: mgivertz@partners.org.
authors.forename: Michael M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Givertz
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D058725:Peripartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; D013318:Stroke Volume
keywords: Antiarrhythmic medications; Arrhythmias; Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; Maternal-fetal health; Peripartum cardiomyopathy; Pregnancy; Sudden cardiac death