Peripartum Cardiomyopathy is a rare but serious form of heart failure that develops during late pregnancy or in the months following childbirth, characterised by left ventricular systolic dysfunction and symptoms that may overlap with typical pregnancy-related changes. Because presentation can be subtle and easily missed, clinicians increasingly seek expert guidance through comprehensive cardiology conference discussions that explore early detection, imaging strategies, long-term surveillance and contemporary therapeutic options. This condition requires prompt recognition due to its potential for rapid deterioration, arrhythmias, thromboembolic events and long-term myocardial impairment. As knowledge advances, the need for clinically relevant insights into pregnancy-associated heart failure continues to grow.

Many patients present with dyspnea, fatigue, edema or palpitations—symptoms that can resemble normal late-pregnancy physiology. The session explains structured evaluation frameworks that help clinicians differentiate between benign symptoms and early signs of myocardial dysfunction. Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic modality, assessing ejection fraction, chamber dimensions, valvular involvement and right-sided pressures. MRI is useful for tissue characterisation, identifying fibrosis or inflammation that may influence recovery. Biomarker analysis, including BNP and troponins, provides additional diagnostic clarity when combined with imaging findings.

Risk factors and contributing mechanisms include genetic predisposition, autoimmune processes, nutritional deficiencies, viral triggers, maladaptive hemodynamic responses and angiogenic imbalance. The session highlights how understanding these pathways supports targeted research and future therapy development. Clinicians will learn to identify red flags such as syncope, severe orthopnea, arrhythmias and thromboembolic symptoms, which warrant urgent evaluation.

Management requires careful balancing of maternal stability with fetal safety when diagnosed before delivery. The session explores medication choices including beta-blockers, diuretics, vasodilators and anticoagulation, highlighting which agents must be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding. For severe cases, mechanical circulatory support, early delivery planning and ICU-level monitoring may be required. Postpartum management focuses on recovery monitoring, optimisation of heart failure therapy, contraception counselling and structured follow-up to assess persistent dysfunction or relapse risk.

Long-term outcomes vary. Some patients experience full recovery within months, while others develop chronic heart failure or require advanced interventions. This session discusses imaging-based predictors of recovery, ventricular remodelling pathways and strategies to guide return-to-activity recommendations. Genetic counselling may be indicated for families with recurrent patterns.

Future perspectives include angiogenic marker–guided therapy, immune-modulating strategies, precision risk models and advanced imaging algorithms. Clinicians will gain practical frameworks for diagnosis, management and long-term surveillance, ensuring safe maternal outcomes.