Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor
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Question:
How does cardiomyopathy affect pregnancy?
submitted by Susma from Kathmandu, Nepal, 9/8/08
Respected doctor, I am 30 years old. I have a heart problem during pregnancy
(4 months pregnant). The doctor called it dilated cardiomyopathy. I do not have a child. What is your suggestion? Thank you.
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Mehdi Razavi, MD
Cardiomyopathy (weakness of the heart muscle) can occur in women during or after pregnancy. In general about a third normalize, a third remain unchanged, and a third worsen and ultimately may require heart transplant. It is thought that repeat pregnancy can worsen this situation and so often it is advised to avoid pregnancy. Furthermore you should be on the appropriate medications to treat or manage the cardiomyopathy or heart failure. This is best decided by your physician. In some cases a cardiac defibrillator may be implanted to treat potentially life threatening heart rhythm disorders. Again this is best decided by your physician.
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Updated September 2008
