Strange heart condition threatens pregnant women, new mothers
Sep 28, 2020
The doctor has warned me against becoming pregnant because my heart would not be able to support my life and that of the growing baby. Details in the New Vision. Subscribe to our #EPAPER; https://bit.ly/39qqm7v
HEALTH|MOTHERS|PREGNANCY Prisca Kibirango's story
In 2015, I conceived my second baby and carried the pregnancy to term. But, a few days to the delivery date, my blood pressure shot up. I was rushed to Kampala Hospital and delivered by C- section to save my life and that of the baby.
After my condition had stabilised, I was discharged; about a week later. But two weeks later, I started experiencing headaches, difficulty in breathing, palpitations and my heart beat very fast. My body and legs were also swollen. I feared for the worst and my husband rushed me to Life Link Hospital in Kyaliwajja, where I was examined and the results showed my blood pressure was very high.
I was given hypertension medication and later referred to Case Clinic on Buganda Road to meet a cardiologist for further investigations. I was examined and results indicated one part of my heart was swollen and that my heartbeat was irregular. I was started on treatment.
After a while, I decided to seek treatment at Mulago Hospital, where I met Dr. Levi Kwarisiima, a cardiologist, who examined me and confirmed the earlier findings. He advised me to continue with the medication, but also closely monitored me.
Gradually, my health started improving; all the symptoms such as headaches, body swelling, and difficulty in breathing disappeared. He also advised me against becoming pregnant because my heart would not be able to support my life and that of the growing baby.
Kibirango's condition is known as heart muscle disease (Peripartum Cardiomyopathy). Read the Health and Beauty section of the New Vision today, to find out more about this condition. What causes it, who is at risk and how it is treated.