International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics : the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
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To determine the clinical and echocardiographic profiles of women with peripartum cardiomyopathy and ascertain the natural course of the disease. ⋯ Women with peripartum cardiomyopathy present with severe left ventricular dysfunction late in the pregnancy or early in the puerperium. A considerable number of women still die from this condition despite the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers. A subsequent pregnancy carries a very high risk of mortality.