Peripartum Emergencies and Cardiomyopathy with Dr. Anna Engeln

Recorded at the 4th Annual Colorado ACEP Leadership Symposium and EM: High Risk – Can't Miss Conference in Beaver Creek, this episode of ACEP Frontline features a presentation by Dr. Anna Engeln on the recognition and management of peripartum emergencies, with a special focus on peripartum cardiomyopathy. While postpartum patients are encountered less frequently in many emergency departments, they can present with rapidly evolving, life-threatening conditions that require a high index of suspicion. Dr. Engeln reviews the physiologic changes of the postpartum period, highlights red flags that distinguish normal recovery from serious pathology, and discusses the evaluation and management of low frequency but high risk peripartum emergencies. The session places particular emphasis on recognizing peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially devastating diagnosis that can masquerade as common postpartum complaints. Through practical clinical pearls and evidence-based recommendations, this presentation equips emergency physicians with the tools to identify these high-risk conditions early and provide timely, lifesaving care for postpartum patients.