During your evaluation, your doctor will review your medical history, symptoms, and concerns. She will listen to your heart and lungs and observe your physical appearance. You will also need one or more of the following tests to measure your heart function:

  • Lab (Blood) Tests
  • Echocardiogram ("Echo") that produces images of your beating heart using ultrasound
  • Chest X-ray that shows the size and shape of your heart
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG) that records the heart's electrical activity

More About Tests for Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Learn more about the tests we use to detect PPCM:

echocardiogram

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram (echo for short) is a cardiac ultrasound that helps assess heart conditions.

electroencephalography EEG

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram is a procedure that records the electrical activity of the heart.