Reply to Ryanne 10/11/99 post concerning postpartal tachycardia

[Kimberly Sebastian, RN]

Hello. I am the founder of the Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Support Groups web site. I believe that your question has not been answered fairly by the Heart Forum doctors. Your symptoms are severe and definitely need to be checked out by a physician. Please do not quickly accept that your tachycardia is due to 'post-partum hormonal and fluid shift changes'. You symptoms MAY be that of something much more serious. Peripartum Cardiomyopathy is the development of cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart) and heart failure during pregnancy and after pregnancy without known cause. It is highly mis- and un- diagnosed. This disease is considered 'rare' but that may be to the high incidence of misdiagnosis.  Please contact me for more information concerning PPCM and the Peripartum Cardiomyopathy web site. I can be reached at ***@****   Thank you.

[Megan]

Ms. Sebastain, are you an expert in this field?

[Ryanne]

Thank you so much, my symptoms have still been happening since I posted this message so I guess I will see a doctor.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Actually, the doctor who answered the question suggested consultation with a physician. The heart rate of 210 is high and further evaluation is indicated.