Mother's Heart Recovers After Developing Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Jessica, at age 32, developed high blood pressure during the last few weeks of her second pregnancy and went into Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri to be induced. The doctors discovered the baby was breech, which required Jessica to go in for an emergency C-section. Following the C-section, Jessica developed post-partum cardiomyopathy and went into cardiogenic shock. Dr. Tim Schloss placed the Impella CP^TM device to support Jessica's weak heart. She was transferred to Barnes-Jewish Hospital where physicians also placed Jessica on additional mechanical support to assist in oxygenating her blood. Eventually Jessica's heart recovered enough to function on its own and both devices were removed. Today, Jessica's heart function is normal and she's back to her busy routine raising her children with her husband, Kevin.

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. There are potential risks, these risks need to be discussed with your doctor and recovery takes time. The success of this procedure depends on many factors, including your physical condition and your body’s ability to tolerate the procedure. Use care in the selection of your doctors and hospital, based on their skill and experience.