A Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test is a blood test that measures levels of a protein called BPN that is made by the heart and blood vessels. BNP levels are higher than normal when you have heart failure. If obstetricians run a BNP Blood Test for all pregnant women, there will be a 90% chance of seeing who's at risk of developing PPCM.
Why is this important?
Peri Partum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), also known as postpartum cardiomyopathy, is an uncommon form of heart failure that happens during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months after giving birth. Cardiomyopathy literally means heart muscle disease. Many women have died, after giving birth, or have to have heart transplants, and implantable devices put in, because they were not aware of PPCM or even knew they were at risk. PPCM can be detected in all race, and physicians are not aware who's all at risk, but if a BNP is done before a woman gives birth, she will know right away if she is developing the condition.
