Which of the following types of cardiomyopathy can be associated with childbirth?
A. Dilated
B. Hypertrophic
C. Myocarditis
D. Restrictive
Correct Answer: A. Dilated
Although the cause isn’t entirely known, cardiac dilation and heart failure may develop during the last month of pregnancy of the first few months after birth. The condition may result from a pre-existing cardiomyopathy not apparent prior to pregnancy.
Option B: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an abnormal symmetry of the ventricles that has an unknown etiology but a strong familial tendency.
Option C: Myocarditis isn’t specifically associated with childbirth. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). Myocarditis can affect the heart muscle and the heart’s electrical system, reducing the heart’s ability to pump and causing rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Option D: Restrictive cardiomyopathy indicates constrictive pericarditis; the underlying cause is usually myocardial. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare disease of the myocardium and is the least common of the three clinically recognized and described cardiomyopathies. It is characterized by diastolic dysfunction with restrictive ventricular physiology, whereas systolic function often remains normal. Atrial enlargement occurs due to impaired ventricular filling during diastole, but the volume and wall thickness of the ventricles are usually normal.