The evaluation of postpartum cardiomyopathy begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with postpartum cardiomyopathy may include:

• Abnormal lung sounds:
• During examination with a stethoscope
• Enlarged liver
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Leg swelling (bilateral)
• Foot swelling (bilateral)
• Rapid breathing rate
• Swelling of the veins in the neck
• Wheezing

Tests that may be used to evaluate postpartum cardiomyopathy include:

• Complete blood count
• BNP testing
• Electrolyte profile
• Kidney profile
• Liver profile
• Thyroid profile
• Chest x-ray: may be normal or show heart enlargement
• Normal chest x-rays
• Enlarged heart
• EKG
• MUGA scan
• Thallium heart scan
• Echocardiography
• Cardiac catheterization
• Cardiac muscle biopsy:
• A sample of heart muscle can be obtained during catheterization to look for other conditions that can cause cardiomyopathy.