Specific types of dilated cardiomyopathies include peripartum cardiomyopathy and alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare type of dilated cardiomyopathy that is due to complications from pregnancy. One of several gestational heart-related conditions, it most often occurs in women over the age of 30 during the last three months of their pregnancy or within four to six months after delivery. It can be a serious or even life-threatening risk for the mother and can also put her unborn child at risk.

Like other forms of dilated cardiomyopathy, the symptoms of peripartum cardiomyopathy include swelling (edema) in the lower legs, shortness of breath and other symptoms of heart failure. Because these symptoms are so similar to normal changes experienced during pregnancy, early diagnosis may be difficult. Although half of the women diagnosed with this condition recover fully or almost fully over time, there are some cases in which lifelong medications or even heart transplantation surgery are necessary. Women who are diagnosed with this condition are encouraged to consult with their physician and genetic counselors about future pregnancies.

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a type of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by excessive alcohol use. It is most common among middle-aged men. In some cases, the heart will be able to heal if diagnosis is made early and the patient stops drinking. In other cases, the condition continues for life. The symptoms of alcoholic cardiomyopathy, as well as its treatment, are similar to other forms of dilated cardiomyopathy. However, this form has a known prevention strategy – limiting one’s consumption of alcohol.