What Is PPCM?

You’ve just had a baby. You expect to be tired. Some aches and pain. But what if that exhaustion doesn’t lift? What if walking up the stairs leaves you breathless? What if your heart is trying to tell you something, and no one’s listening?

That’s exactly what happens to thousands of women each year who develop Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare, often misdiagnosed form of postpartum heart failure.

What Is Peripartum Cardiomyopathy?

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle weakens and becomes enlarged during the last month of pregnancy or within five months after delivery. This enlargement reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms of heart failure.

Cardiac issues are a leading cause of maternal mortality in and Canada and around the world. PPCM is part of that story – and often preventable with early detection.

The key diagnostic indicator is a reduced ejection fraction (EF), which is the percentage of blood your heart pumps out with each beat. In PPCM, EF typically drops below 45%.

Image of a mother and newborn.

Common Symptoms of PPCM

Many PPCM symptoms overlap with normal postpartum recovery, which is why the condition is often missed. Here’s what to watch for:

• Extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest

• Shortness of breath, especially when lying down

• Swollen feet, legs, or abdomen

• Heart palpitations or racing pulse at rest

• Persistent coughing or wheezing

• Chest pain or tightness

• Sudden weight gain

Download a free symptom tracker, we carefully curated for you here.

If you’re experiencing any of these, particularly in the weeks after giving birth, don’t dismiss it.

How Common Is PPCM?

While often referred to as “rare,” PPCM is more common than many think. It affects:

• 1 in 1,000 to 4,000 pregnancies globally

• In certain populations, like Black and Indigenous women, the incidence is significantly higher

• In Canada, it’s frequently underdiagnosed due to a lack of routine cardiac screening in postpartum care

How Is PPCM Diagnosed?

Two simple, non-invasive tests can help detect PPCM:

1. BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) or NT-proBNP blood test – measures cardiac stress

2. Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) – shows how well your heart is pumping

Unfortunately, these aren’t routinely offered to postpartum women – even those reporting symptoms, so it’s critical to ask for them.

Is PPCM Treatable?

Yes – if caught early. Treatment typically includes:

• Medications like beta blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors

• Cardiac rehab and monitoring

• Lifestyle adjustments (low-sodium diet, limiting physical exertion)

Many women recover full heart function. Others live with long-term effects. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the better the chances of recovery.

Why PPCM Awareness Matters

Too many women are told their symptoms are “just anxiety” or “new mom stress.” That misdiagnosis can delay treatment until it’s too late. Cardiac issues are a leading cause of maternal mortality in and Canada and around the world. PPCM is part of that story – and often preventable with early detection.

What You Can Do:

• Track your symptoms and don’t ignore your instincts

• Ask for a BNP test and an echo if you feel off

• Share this post with a friend, doula, or OB

• Advocate for postpartum heart screening in your local health system

We’re in this together. If this post resonated with you... whether you're a survivor, partner, birthworker, or advocate, I’d love to continue the conversation with you. Join us on social:

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