Understanding delays in diagnosing heart failure after childbirth in Black women
Official title: Evaluating risk of diagnostic delay in peripartum cardiomyopathy
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11048818 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some women, especially Black women, experience delays in getting diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition that can happen after giving birth, and it aims to find ways to help doctors catch it earlier so that women can get the care they need faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $601,075 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173331-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048818 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black women who have recently been diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Black women or those who have not experienced peripartum cardiomyopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind delays in diagnosing peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a serious heart condition that can occur after childbirth, particularly in Black women. By examining factors from patients, healthcare providers, and health systems, the study aims to identify barriers that contribute to late diagnosis and poor outcomes. The research will involve collecting patient-reported data from women recently diagnosed with PPCM across a network of 60 sites in the US. The ultimate goal is to develop effective interventions to improve early detection and treatment of this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early diagnosis and treatment of peripartum cardiomyopathy, potentially reducing maternal mortality rates among Black women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing diagnostic delays in similar cardiovascular conditions can lead to improved patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewey, Jennifer — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lewey, Jennifer
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Global bromocriptine trial for postpartum cardiomyopathy
A large international study will test whether adding bromocriptine to standard heart failure treatment helps new mothers with peripartum cardiomyopathy.
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Global Bromocriptine Add-on for Postpartum Heart Failure (GLOBal PPCM)
A large international study will test whether adding the dopamine agonist bromocriptine to standard heart failure care helps postpartum women with a specific heart condition.
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Global Bromocriptine Trial for Postpartum Heart Failure (GLOBal PPCM)
A large international study will test whether adding bromocriptine to standard heart-failure care helps women with postpartum cardiomyopathy.
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Bromocriptine as add-on therapy for postpartum cardiomyopathy across multiple sites
A large international study will test whether adding bromocriptine to standard heart failure treatment helps new mothers with postpartum cardiomyopathy.
-
Global bromocriptine trial to help postpartum heart failure patients
A large international trial tests whether adding bromocriptine to standard heart failure treatment improves outcomes for new mothers with a specific pregnancy-related heart condition.
-
Global Bromocriptine Trial to Help Postpartum Heart Failure
A large international study will test whether adding bromocriptine to standard heart failure treatment helps women with postpartum cardiomyopathy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.