Registry and Survey of Women With Pregnancy Related Cardiomyopathy

The design of our study will utilize web-based recruitment methods with internet-based
support groups for PPCM e.g. www.AMothersHeart.org (www.amothersheart.org/index.html). The
directors of these websites will facilitate contact between our research staff and the
several hundred members of these web sites.

An introductory letter will be posted on the website introducing the cardiovascular research
team and describing the purpose, basic methods, and goals of our study. Website members who
desire to participate can respond to a dedicated e-mail address we have set up and provide
contact information so that we may get informed consent via telephone or mailed written
consent. A telephone number will also be provided for participants so that they may call
with questions regarding the study. Patients will then receive a questionnaire addressing
our study goals. Questions will focus on obtaining family and social history, characterizing
presenting symptoms, initial management, and clinical course following delivery of the fetus
including extent of cardiovascular follow-up, date of echocardiograms performed,
medications, and psychosocial support, if provided.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients will be eligible for inclusion if diagnosed with PPCM after January 1, 1994.
Patients must be above the age of 18 years old with no prior cardiac history and no
history of chronic drug or alcohol abuse. Diagnosis of PPCM must have been made prior
after the 28th week of gestation and up to 6 months postpartum. Patients must have
echocardiographic data confirming left ventricular systolic dysfunction by either
depressed shortening fraction or depressed ejection fraction.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with an identifiable etiology for their heart failure will be excluded.