WHAT IS VIRAL CARDIOMYOPATHY?
Viral cardiomyopathy is a heart condition caused by a viral infection in the heart. The heart
weakens and does not work as well as it should, causing a variety of problems
for the patient.
Once diagnosed with cardiomyopathy of any kind, including
viral cardiomyopathy,the prognosis for the patient is variable, depending on
how severe the condition is and what kinds of treatment options are available.
Generally, the weakening of the heart will force the patient to make some
permanent lifestyle changes.
Viral infections of the heart are not uncommon. Some resolve on their own,
especially in healthy individuals, and leave no lasting problems behind. In
other patients, the viral infection causes inflamation, and this damages the
muscles in the heart, causing viral cardiomyopathy.
Most commonly, viral
cardiomyopathy presents as a form of dilated cardiomyopathy, where the chambers
of the heart enlarge and the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout
the body.
The initial viral infection may not cause symptoms, or it may lead to
symptoms so mild the patient never seeks treatment. Over time, the weakening of
the heart causes issues like shortness of breath.dizzines, and fatigue. Medical
imaging studies can reveal the enlargement of the heart, and the patient can
also undergo testing to assess heart function and see how hard the heart is working.
WHAT CAUSES VIRAL CARDIOMYOPATHY?
Myocarditis can be caused by many viruses, but the most common are those
associated with upper respiratory tract infections. Less commonly, other
contagious diseases, including Lyme disease,
Though a wide variety of viruses may affect the heart, there are a few that
are more commonly linked to cardiomyopathy and other heart problems.
AdenovirusThis
virus most commonly causes respiratory infections and may sometimes cause
bladder and bowel infections. It can also infect the heart. It’s one of the
most common viral causes of viral cardiomyopathy in both children and adults.
The virus spreads through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of an
infected person.Cytomegalovirus (CMV)This group of viruses includes the herpes
simplex viruses, varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles),
and the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis).
According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50 to 80 out of every
100 people are infected with CMV by the time they’re 40 years old.
HOW IS VIRAL CARDIOMYOPATHY TREATED?
Viral cardiomyopathy is commonly treated with medications used to treat
heart failure. Rest and a low-salt diet are often recommended. Steroids and
other medications also may be used to reduce heart inflammation.
More rarely, if an abnormal heart rhythm is present, treatment may require
additional medications, a pacemaker or even a defibrillator.
Discuss treatment options with your health-care team.