Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle which can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood. This inflammation can also cause a heart to beat rapidly or irregularly, causing arrhythmias.
Wu Shaorong, an associate chief physician of The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University's cardiovascular medicine department, reminds patients recovering from COVID-19 to pay attention to Myocarditis and seek medical treatment if having symptoms including chest tightness, chest pain, wheezing, and breathing problems.
(Picture: Nanfang Plus)
Symptoms of Myocarditis
Myocarditis can be caused by infection (such as a virus, bacteria, or fungus) or non-infectious factors (such as autoimmune diseases). According to the severity of Myocarditis, it has the following manifestations:
Early Myocarditis: repeated fever, fatigue, palpitation, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, and chest pain.
Mild viral Myocarditis: arrhythmia and tachycardia, generally can be detected by electrocardiogram.
Severe viral Myocarditis: the disease is dangerous, with a very high mortality rate, up to 70%~80%. The patient may die in a few hours or days, even possibly die of a sudden.
How does COVID-19 increase the risk of having Myocarditis?
According to Wu, COVID-19 can attack the heart through blood circulation and cause lesions. In this case, the patient will feel chest pain while having a fever. In addition, some patients have post-infection myocardial damage because the immune system mistakes the heart muscle cells for a virus, and attacks the patient's heart, causing Myocarditis.
The high-risk population of Myocarditis
Viral Myocarditis is relatively common in adults between 18 and 60. In addition, cardiac patients, obese patients, hypertension patients, and other groups should pay attention to prevent Myocarditis. After Myocarditis occurs, the heart's overall function may be involved more seriously, resulting in an aggravated condition.
How do patients detect Myocarditis?
Wu suggested that patients should pay attention if having a noticeable increase in heart rate, with symptoms such as chest tightness, chest pain, and dyspnea. If the patient's heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute without fever and exercise, the patient needs medical treatment. Patients infected with COVID-19 and have symptoms of Myocarditis should check their electrocardiogram and myocardial protein immediately.
How do patients prevent Myocarditis?
1. Keep COVID-19 self-prevention methods, wash hands, and maintain ventilation.
2. Enhance the immune system by having enough fruits, vegetables, and adequate sleep.
3. Avoid strenuous exercises within a month.
Author | Clarice
Editors | Wing, Nan, Will, Jerry
