Quality of life evaluation in peripartum cardiomyopathy patients: A focus on women's heart

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Abstract
Introduction. There is limited information available regarding the quality of life (QoL) in patients with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM). We assessed how the disease impacted the day-to-day functioning of respondents, who were concerned about their QoL in the two weeks preceding the survey. Methods. The study involved 24 subjects treated at the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina from January 2006 to December 2019. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) was used to assess their quality of life. The collected data were statistically processed. Results. The mean age of the subjects was 37 ± 6.4 years, with an average time since initial diagnosis of 5.9 ± 3.4 years. Out of 24, thirteen participants completed the questionnaire, and a majority of respondents (53.8%) reported feeling sad or discouraged due to the effects of heart failure on their lives. Only 30.8% of respondents expressed complete satisfaction with the idea of living at their current level due to heart failure. Fatigue and weakness were reported by 76.9% of female participants. The initial left ventricle ejection fraction (EFLV) was predominantly severely impaired, while the currently measured EFLV averaged 55±10%. At follow-up, 38.4% showed no symptoms of heart failure. A majority (76.9%) were unable to engage in high-intensity physical activities. Conclusion. Although most patients experience cardiac muscle recovery after the acute phase of PPCM, the disease continues to have long-term effects on their quality of life and mental well-being.

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