Myocarditis is a viral heart disease. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with it, you may need to find out more information. These are the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for viral heart disease.
Causes
There are a variety of viruses that can cause viral heart disease, the most common cause of myocarditis is Coxsackievirus B (CBV). Half the cases of myocarditis are blamed on CBV. It creates an infection that lasts from 2 to 10 days by attacking the heart or causing the flu. After a couple of weeks, cardiac symptoms can occur. CBV transmits through fecal material, so improving overall hygiene and washing your hands are some of the best methods of prevention.
Another cause is Cytomegalovirus (CMV) that includes the herpes simplex viruses. It can cause infections, including viral heart infection, but usually lays harmless and dormant in the body. This virus spreads through contact with an infected person’s body fluids.
Enteric cytopathic human orphan viruses (ECHO) is another virus that is contracted through contaminated fecal matter. You can also contract ECHO by breathing in the same air particles as an infected person. Though this virus normally causes skin rashes and gastrointestinal infections, it can also cause myocarditis.
Rubella, which is mostly known as the virus that can cause German measles, can also cause myocarditis. It’s not common for it to happen, but when it effects the heart, it can lead to a viral heart infection.
And lastly, human parvovirus B19, also known as fifth disease, is more common in children than adults. Fifth disease is occasionally leads occasionally with acute myocarditis. This virus spreads through nasal mucus and saliva.
Symptoms
Viral heart infections can go unnoticed because the infection often creates no symptoms. Possible symptoms that may occur are flu-like. They may also include abnormal heartbeat, fainting, and joint or leg pain.
Treatment
Doctors may prescribe a variety of medications to treat myocarditis. This includes anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce heart swelling. And, antiviral agents to treat the actual infection. Medications may vary, though, depending on the individual’s infection.
Final Thoughts
There are many causes, symptoms, and treatment options for viral heart disease.Though there are rarely symptoms for viral heart disease other than flu-like symptoms, it is treatable.
