pregancy with EF 30-35%

Posted By  CCF Cardio MD-SGM on February 09, 1998 at 20:35:17:

In Reply to: pregancy with EF 30-35% posted by Karen Williams on January 24, 1998 at 18:45:19:

: What is the likely outcome of a pregnancy in someone in otherwise good health who has DCM and EF 30-35%, well compensated with no particular symptoms?  Are there specific books or articles you can recommend? I know pregnancy is not recommended but I am wondering about actual data to support this.

[CCF Cardio MD-SGM]

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Dear Karen,
Generally, patients who have experienced peri-partum cardiomyopathy are discouraged from attempting subsequent pregnancies.  Peri-partum cardiomyopathy describes a condition of left ventricular heart dysfunction that typically occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy, the cause of which is uncertain.  I do not know whether this is your diagnosis, or whether you have been diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) of another cause.  Patients with DCM, as well,  who attempt pregnancy are at higher risk of complications.  Specific estimates of risk would need to be inquired of a cardiologist and/or high-risk obstetrician who are experienced in these areas and have evaluated you personally.
If you like, I suggest the following references that you might peruse.  I recommend that you search for these in a medical library, and ask the librarian for assistance.  
1) Elkayam, U. Peripartum cardiomyopathy. In Gleicher, N. Principles and Practice of Medical Therapy in Pregnancy. 2nd Ed. Norwalk, CT, Appleton and Lange, 1992, p. 131.
2) Nwosu, E.C.  Cardiomyopathy of Pregnancy. Br. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 100:1145, 1992.
3) St. John Sutton, et. al. Effects of subsequent pregnancy on left ventricular function in peripartum cardiomyopathy. Am. Heart. J. 121:1776, 1991.
If you wish to be evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic, call 1 800 CCF CARE and ask to make anappointment with a cardiologist at desk F15.  Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.