Final answer:
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a type of heart failure occurring towards the end of pregnancy or after childbirth. It is characterized by left ventricular dysfunction resulting in reduced heart pumping capacity. Management includes medication and monitoring, with recovery varying among patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'new onset of LV dysfunction at the end of pregnancy or after delivery' is referring to peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), which is a type of heart failure that occurs in the final month of pregnancy or up to five months after giving birth. This rare but serious condition manifests as a sudden weakening of the heart muscle (left ventricle), which impairs the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
Signs and symptoms of peripartum cardiomyopathy can include fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, swollen ankles and feet, and an increased need to urinate at night. Diagnosing PPCM typically involves a combination of a physical exam, medical history review, and diagnostic tests such as echocardiography, which visualizes the heart to assess function and structure.
Management of PPCM may involve medications to reduce fluid overload and to improve heart function, as well as close monitoring. In some cases, women may fully recover from PPCM, but it can take months to do so, and some may have lasting heart damage. Women with peripartum cardiomyopathy are also advised to consult with a cardiologist before considering future pregnancies, as the condition can recur.