Which statement correctly defines the time window for diagnosing peripartum cardiomyopathy?
- A Heart failure developing any time during pregnancy or within 6 months after delivery
- B Heart failure diagnosed exclusively within 48 hours of delivery
- C New heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction arising between the last month of pregnancy and 5 months postpartum, with no identifiable cause and no prior heart disease ✓
- D Any new cardiomyopathy detected within the first year after delivery, irrespective of timing relative to parturition
Correct answer: C. New heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction arising between the last month of pregnancy and 5 months postpartum, with no identifiable cause and no prior heart disease
Explanation
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is defined as new onset heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction occurring between the late third trimester, classically the final month, and 5 months postpartum, in a woman without prior cardiac disease and without another identifiable cause. Windows extending to 6 months or 1 year postpartum describe related but broader categories, and onset confined to the immediate 48 hours after delivery excludes cases beginning in late pregnancy.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.