Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but life-threatening form of heart failure that occurs during late pregnancy or in the months after delivery. While PPCM affects women of all races and ethnicities, recent research highlights a significant disparity: Black mothers in the United States are disproportionately affected by this condition. Below is an overview of PPCM, the disparities observed in Black mothers, and strategies to address this critical public health issue.
Understanding Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
PPCM is characterized by the weakening of the heart muscle, leading to an inability to pump blood effectively. Symptoms of PPCM can include fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and feet, and chest pain. If left untreated, PPCM can lead to serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, and even death.
“Peripartum cardiomyopathy, though rare, is a serious condition that doesn’t affect all mothers equally,” said lead study author Curisa M. Tucker, Ph.D., R.N., an assistant professor of nursing science at the University of South Carolina, College of Nursing in Columbia, in a press release. “Black mothers and mothers in underserved communities face the highest risks, pointing to deep-rooted inequities in health care and living conditions.”
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in Black Mothers
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association analyzed data from over 7 million births in California and found that Black mothers were 3.5 times more likely to develop PPCM than white mothers. This disparity persisted even after accounting for factors such as socioeconomic status, neighborhood resources, and pre-existing high blood pressure.
Factors Contributing to Disparities
While the exact causes of this disparity are not fully understood, several factors are likely contributing to the increased risk of PPCM in Black mothers:
- Socioeconomic Factors: Black women are more likely to experience poverty, limited access to quality healthcare, and exposure to environmental stressors, all of which can negatively impact cardiovascular health.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Black women have a higher prevalence of certain medical conditions, such as hypertension and obesity, which can increase the risk of PPCM.
- Access to Care: Barriers to accessing prenatal and postpartum care, including transportation challenges, long wait times, and a lack of culturally competent care, can delay diagnosis and treatment of PPCM in Black mothers.
- Systemic Racism: The chronic stress associated with experiencing systemic racism and discrimination can have a detrimental effect on cardiovascular health, potentially increasing the risk of PPCM.
Addressing the Disparity
Healthcare providers can play a role in addressing the disparity in PPCM by:
- Increasing Awareness: Educate Black women about PPCM, its risk factors, and symptoms. Encourage them to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any concerning symptoms during or after pregnancy.
- Improving Access to Care: Advocate for policies and programs that improve access to quality prenatal and postpartum care for Black mothers, including culturally competent care and addressing barriers to accessing care.
- Early Detection and Management: Conduct thorough cardiovascular assessments during prenatal and postpartum visits, particularly for Black mothers who may be at higher risk.
- Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Collaborate with community organizations and social workers to address the social determinants of health that contribute to cardiovascular disparities in Black mothers. The Department of Health and Human Services plays a role in addressing social determinants of health.
- Promoting Health and Human Services: Encourage health-promoting behaviors, such as physical activity and a healthy diet complete with healthy food choices, to reduce long-term risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization. Healthy diets play a role in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
- Research: Support and participate in research efforts aimed at understanding the underlying causes of the disparity in PPCM and developing effective interventions.
Final Notes
The disproportionate impact of PPCM on Black mothers is a serious public health concern that requires urgent attention. “Mothers in underserved or rural neighborhoods may face significant barriers to accessing prenatal and postpartum care, including fewer nearby health care facilities, transportation challenges and long wait times, all of which can delay diagnosis and treatment of the condition,” Tucker added. “Environmental stressors, such as high levels of pollution, noise or unsafe living conditions, can contribute to chronic stress, a known factor that negatively impacts cardiovascular health, and may increase susceptibility to peripartum cardiomyopathy.”
By increasing awareness, improving access to care, and addressing the social determinants of health, healthcare providers can play a vital role in reducing this disparity and improving maternal health outcomes for Black women. Promoting health and human services, including physical activity and healthy food choices, can contribute to long-term cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of PPCM and other cardiovascular diseases.