Myocarditis

Question: Can influenza flu cause gradually myocarditis in several weeks or months later? Can it happen only to high risk of aging people only? How many people in US really had acute myocardial infarction from influenza flu annually?

Answer: Many types of virus infection can affect several parts of the body, including the heart muscle. So, myocarditis may develop at the same time as, or just after, a viral throat or chest infection, or when you have flu. The body's immune system can clear many types of virus. So, many cases of viral myocarditis go away on their own within a week or so. Viral myocarditis often occurs at the same time as viral pericarditis which is inflammation of the sac-like tissue which surrounds the heart. Influenza may have an effect by triggering destabilization of already present vulnerable plaques which can cause a myocardial infarction, but I cannot find statistics of how many people this has happened to. Click these links if you would like more info: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/myocarditis/DS00521/DSECTION=3 http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4729 http://www.lifetimetv.com/lifestyle/health/health-a-z/myocarditis http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/27000354/ http://www.texasheart.org/HIC/Topics/Cond/myocard.cfm

Question: What are the causes of heart’s infection or myocarditis belong to the age risk category? and what are not? The causes can be rheumatic fever, virus, bacterias, parasites, fungi, certain chemicals, or systemic diseases like lupus and inflamation of blood vessels; etc.

Answer: A large number of different causes have been identified as leading to myocarditis: * Infectious: # Viral (e.g. enterovirus, Coxsackie virus, rubella virus, polio virus, cytomegalovirus, possibly hepatitis C) # Bacterial (e.g. brucella, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, gonococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Actinomyces, Tropheryma whipplei, and Vibrio cholerae). # Spirochetal (Borrelia burgdorferi and leptospirosis) # Protozoal (Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma cruzi) # Fungal (e.g. aspergillus) # Parasitic: ascaris, Echinococcus granulosus, Paragonimus westermani, schistosoma, Taenia solium, Trichinella spiralis, visceral larva migrans, and Wuchereria bancrofti # Rickettsial * Immunological: # Allergic (e.g. acetazolamide, amitriptyline) # Rejection after a heart transplant # Autoantigens (e.g. systemic vasculitis such as Churg-Strauss syndrome, Wegener's granulomatosis) * Toxic: # Drugs (e.g. anthracyclines and some other forms of chemotherapy, ethanol, and antipsychotics, e.g. clozapine) # Toxins (e.g. arsenic, carbon monoxide, snake venom) # Heavy metals (e.g. copper, iron) * Physical agents (electric shock, hyperpyrexia, and radiation) Bacterial myocarditis is rare in patients without immunodeficiency.

Question: Can myocarditis or inflammation happen without any symptons? Common symptons are fatigue, chest pain, fast or irregular heart rate, abnormal ekg test. prior to massive heart failure or acute myocardial infarction.

Answer: that is very unlikely. we can only diagnose myocarditis as a clinical entity when there are symptoms. namely, heart failure, arrhythmias, or valvular problems.

Question: How long does it take to recover from myocarditis? If you were going to get better, do you progressively feel better?

Answer: Unfortunately, myocarditis has a highly unpredictable long term pronosis. Some recover fully, some develop heart failure, and some will only survive with a transplant. Only CLOSE followup with a reputable cardiologist will tell.

Question: What is your experience with viral myocarditis?

Answer: personally? i have no experience with it. I do know, however, that its an inflammation of the cardiac muscle due to a virus. if that didn't help, sorry, if it did, your welcome! lol -me

Question: what is the relation between eating sea shell and getting myocarditis?

Answer: Myocarditis may also occur as a manifestation of a generalized hypersensitivity (allergic or immunologic) reaction to sea-shell food such as mussels etc.

Question: Looking for someone with myocarditis taking medication living on social security? My husband was diagnosed with myocarditis as a child and latter with arvd as an adult. His medications are rendering him unable to work. I'm looking for people who may have the same diagnosis and are on social security. Hi applied and got denied but we are appealing. I just wanted to know if anyone out there had a similar diagnosis and was on social security. We are having a hard time dealing with his illness.

Answer: What will you do if you find such a person? Are you seeking advice as to how to better afford the meds on a set income? Suggestions about coping with the inflammation? You haven't asked a question, my friend.

Question: Why can myocarditis be considered an infectious disease?

Answer: Myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart tissue/muscle, is not an infectious disease but its causes can be. Myocarditis is really more of a symptom-the result of the infection. Most common infectious causes of myocarditis are viral though there are bacteria, like stapylococcus and diptheria, which can cause it. Myocarditis can also occur in other non-infectious entities like autoimmune disease, sarcoid and even pregnancy.

Question: How do i tell my gf of a year and a half im dying from myocarditis? i am 15 and have dated this girl for over a year and a half... i love her to death and would give anything up for her... i had troubled times once and did drugs... i over doced and had heart failure now im diagnosed with myocarditis... i dont know how to tell her because we have recently been fighting and dont wanna hurt her...

Answer: OMG honey that's a hard one.. Google myocarditis print it out and show it to her. Explain that this is what you have. Be prepared to answer questions but just be honest about it.. Good luck..

Question: What does this mean: Acute diffuse Pneumonitis, Multifocal chronic myocarditis in a child please.? The last result of her condition is Anoxic Encephalopathy but I already know about that one, its just the first 2 we are having troubles with. We are assuming the first one is her lung problem the 2nd one is toxins to her blood that caused heart failure then third is her her brain starved of oxygen? Please elaborate if you know about these conditions and know what kind of causes for the Multifocal chronic myocarditis. Thank you very much

Answer: it is an infection of the lungs and heart tissues. the myocarditis causes severe inflamation of the heart muscles and when its gone it causes major scarring. The pnumontits is an infection of the lungs.

Question: Myocarditis? My daugther was said to have had myocarditis. she went into the er and was to be tranfered to another hosptial to receive better care their cath clinic was closed.. they did the transfer papers and send family to other hosptial. they decided to do a ct because her co2 was 9 and an hour and 10mins. after they did transfer paper they began cpr and she didnt make it. Could i sue because they didt transfer to the hosptial that could have done more for her?

Answer: i don't think so, because she coded while at the hospital doing the transfer. they had to do something to see if they could revive her, and they couldn't transfer an patient who was unstable.

Question: is Giant Cell Myocarditis curable?...? is giant cell myocarditis curable without a heart transplant? jw my friend has it and had a berlin heart put in today and will be in icu and it gives her actual heart a rest

Answer: There is no proven cure because of the unknown nature of the disorder. Heart transplantation looks to have the highest survival rate. Check these sites to learn more. The second link looks to have a message board where you can post questions and learn more: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/giant… http://www.gcminfo.org/index.htm I hope your friend is feeling better and gets cured quickly.

Question: what arer the nursing interventions for myocarditis?

Answer: Treatment is supportive, aimed at promptly recognizing and treating cardiac arrhythmias, preserving myocardial function, and preventing heart failure and other complications, such as dilated cardiomyopathy. Supportive care includes bed rest and avoiding strenuous exercise until the ECG returns to normal. Diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and sodium restriction are indicated if heart failure develops. If an underlying autoimmune disease is a factor, the patient may receive steroids or immune globulin to reduce inflammation. Anticoagulation therapy may be indicated to treat cardiovascular problems, such as an MI or a thrombus. Depending on the underlying cause of his myocarditis, he also may receive antibiotics or antiviral medications, although this hasn't proven beneficial in most cases. Monitor for worsening symptoms, the patient may require vigorous diuresis, mechanical ventilation, and a pacemaker. If severe cardiomyopathy develops, treatment options include a left-ventricular assist device and heart transplant. If the underlying cause of myocarditis is Lyme disease or another bacterial infection, the patient will receive antibiotics as indicated. Monitor for arrhythmia development, especially in the acute phase. Provide supplemental oxygen, limiting myocardial oxygen demand, and enhancing circulatory support and cardiac output if needed. Patients who develop heart failure may be treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics, and sodium restriction. Anticoagulation may be indicated to reduce the risk of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In more severe cases of myocarditis, the patient may need inotropic support with such intravenous drugs as dobutamine. Myocarditis appears to make patients sensitive to digoxin. If your patient is taking digoxin, monitor him for toxicity. Intravenous immunoglobulin may be given to enhance the immune system and limit the disease. In severe cases, the patient may need heart transplantation. During the acute phase of myocarditis, keep the patient on bed rest because activity increases myocardial oxygen demand. Teach him about his medications and when he can resume activities and exercise. Depending on the presence and extent of myocardial damage, the patient may fully recover or be left with chronic heart failure. Before discharge, explain any activity limitations or diet restrictions and teach him how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart failure. Tell him to contact his cardiologist or dial 911 immediately if symptoms worsen. Good luck to you in school.

Question: myocarditis?!?! Please help!? Ok so I am a worry wart and I have anxiety. I heard about myocarditis and I am so scared that I am going to get it. I currently have a cold and I am scared that I am going to develop myocarditis, Do I have to worry every time I get the flu or a cold I could get myocarditis? How common is this? I am so scared! Please help ease my mind!! Thanks!

Answer: No you don't have to worry as chances of flu or the common cold causing myocarditis are slim to none. I'd love to tell you more about what does but you kind of sound like a hypochondriac with a panic disorder so I think I'm not gonna do that. What I will tell you is myocarditis is not that common and is responsible for only 1.3% of sudden death. You have a better chance of dieing in a car accident or by suicide then of myocarditis.

Question: what is the use of azithromycin in patient with myocarditis? please help me. i need it for my case study.?

Answer: Myocarditis is an inflammatory state of the heart muscle. The most common reasons for this is due to viral, toxins, allergic reactions, or bacterial illness. Azithromycin is commonly used because it has a broad spectrum to what it can kill, but a bacterial myocarditis is typically found in people who also have immune deficiencies -- so, if the patient does not have HIV / AIDS, then the use of Azithromycin may be more for "protection" than anything. Most cases that I've seen have been related to drug abuse -- typically intravenous users. Best of luck!

Question: information on myocarditis.? last sep i had a viral infection,which i never fully recovered from.i've since discovered i have two strains of coxsackie a.i am getting quick sharp pains in the chest and a dropping feeling in my heart mostly at night.i understand there is a connection between coxsackie and myocarditis.i've had an ecg done today,how much can that tell me. i've posted this already on a diffrent section.

Answer: Well an EKG will be able to tell you if there is some sort of poor electrical problems going on and sometimes the heart can develop an abnormal rhythm if it's infected - like with the viral infection. You really need a Holter monitor which is a 24 hour heart monitor, because if you're not having symptoms at the time of the EKG then it's not going to pick up crap. It could also be simple heart palpitations which happen more at rest than anything else. Cut down on caffeine until you have a straight diagnosis.