Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is considered the leading cause of cardiac death in obstetric patients and near half of them can progress to the hemodynamic deterioration. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review summarizing information on risk factors for the PPCM in women between the last month of pregnancy and the first five months postpartum. Methods: Systematic search of the literature assessing methodological quality to provide evidence on risk factors for PPCM. Results: Four articles complied the inclusion criteria. Hypertension, age, multiparity and race (African descent) were reported as risk factors. Other factors such as river water intake, marital status (unmarried), lower education and income showed a strong association in only one study. Discussion: PPCM is a condition that presents low incidence but has a high rate of complications and mortality. Few articles adequate methodology evaluated the aetiology and risk factors on the PPCM as they include different variables and populations although most of them focused on the African descent population as it has been reported a higher incidence rates of the disease. Conclusions: It is necessary to study designs that permit unifying information and clarify the role of traditional and emerging factors in the presentation of PPCM
