Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Noninvasive Electrocardiography in the Perinatal Mouse
04:36

Noninvasive Electrocardiography in the Perinatal Mouse

Published on: June 12, 2020

Unrecognized peripartum cardiomyopathy in Haitian women

J D Fett1, L G Christie, R D Carraway

  • 1Department of Adult Medicine, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Deschapelles, Haiti. jdftlsc@techline.com

International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
|June 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Haitian women show a high incidence of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). This study found 16% of apparently healthy postpartum women had asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction, suggesting a forme fruste of PPCM.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Maternal Health
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) presents at a significantly higher rate in Haitian women compared to American women.
  • The incidence in Haiti is estimated at 1 in 300 live births, a tenfold increase.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis of a forme fruste of PPCM in asymptomatic Haitian women.
  • To identify subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in this high-risk population.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted in Deschapelles, Haiti.
  • 25 apparently healthy postpartum women underwent echocardiography screening for left ventricular dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • 16% (4 out of 25) of women exhibited asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.
  • This dysfunction showed potential for improvement or deterioration over time.
  • Evidence supports the existence of asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction or forme fruste PPCM.

Conclusions:

  • Screening Haitian women in late pregnancy or early postpartum can detect asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.
  • Early detection and treatment of PPCM in high-risk populations may reduce maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model03:45

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model

Published on: August 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management01:19

Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management

The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...