Postpartum Cardiomyopathy in Uganda: A Mini-Review of Current Evidence and Challenges

Postpartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but life-threatening condition that develops in the last month of pregnancy or within five months after delivery, without preexisting heart disease. Its prevalence and outcomes in Uganda remain poorly understood.This mini-review consolidates current knowledge on PPCM in Uganda, focusing on clinical features, diagnostic difficulties, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes while highlighting research gaps. A narrative review was performed using PubMed, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar, analyzing relevant articles from 2000 to 2024, with emphasis on Ugandan and East African studies.Available data indicate that PPCM in Uganda primarily affects young, multiparous women. Frequent symptoms include dyspnea, orthopnea, and fatigue, with echocardiography typically revealing reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Diagnostic challenges arise from symptom overlap with normal peripartum changes and limited awareness. Treatment often involves diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, and bromocriptine, though evidence on SGLT2 inhibitors remains scarce. High mortality and readmission rates persist due to late diagnosis, inadequate follow-up, and limited access to advanced care.PPCM in Uganda is underrecognized and underreported. Enhancing diagnostic tools, implementing early echocardiographic screening, and creating national registries are essential. Multidisciplinary management and public awareness are critical for improving patient outcomes.