Myocarditis is an inflammatory change in the myocardium that has a wide variety of etiologies. They are dangerous because it can be a complication of simple diseases like the flu, but they do not always show specific symptoms. The Director of the Pathomorphology and Clinical Cytology Department of the LabQuest Laboratory, Candidate of Medical Sciences Dmitry Bulanov spoke about what leads to myocarditis and how this disease affects a person’s life.
What leads to myocardial dysfunction
There are several main groups of myocardial lesions.
- The first is related to its toxic damage. This may include long-term use of alcohol, illegal substances, or certain medications.
- The second group of myocarditis is related to diseases of the endocrine glands, especially the thyroid gland.
- And the third is myocarditis of a viral-bacterial nature, which is considered the most common. This is especially true for viral etiology. That is why it is necessary to dwell on viral diseases in more detail.
Common infections can lead to serious complications in the form of myocarditis: influenza, parainfluenza, various groups of respiratory viruses. These diseases that are considered “childhood” cannot be discounted either. Measles, rubella, smallpox, whooping cough and diphtheria – adults are also susceptible to these diseases, as well as their complications.
Why are myocardial diseases dangerous?
main problem, appears in the myocardium during viral infections, associated with the likelihood of developing vasculitis – a disease in which the vascular wall is inflamed. As a result, the blood supply to an organ or a group of organs is interrupted, leading to a disruption in their work. Many viruses can cause this condition, such as COVID-19, herpesvirus, and Epstein-Barr virus.
Yes too second risk – during the immune response, our body produces antibodies to the envelope proteins of the virus. Some of them may have a similar structure to the proteins of our cells, and as a result, this leads to autoimmune reactions. Autoantibodies appear – substances that are directed against one’s own proteins. And they can cause direct damage to cardiomyocytes – heart muscle cells. In other words, myocarditis that occurs after viral infections are often caused by autoimmune processes.
In addition, during myocarditis, expansion of the artery walls is seen due to their multiplicity – excess blood. In addition, viruses can be damaged by the vessel wall. As a result, cells produced by the body in response to inflammation can begin to invade and damage the surrounding tissue – this also applies to cardiomyocytes.
How does heart failure appear?
As dystrophic changes in the heart muscle cells progress, a person may experience symptoms of heart failure, which may lead to life-threatening conditions. First of all, this is a serious disturbance in the heart rhythm – the system that makes electrical impulses and sets the electrical activity of the heart suffers. In addition, due to myocarditis, complications are at risk. Up to a certain level, myocardial damage is reversed – the heart is able to restore its rhythm. However, if the process continues, the consequences can be fatal.
All of the above includes a symptomatic picture of myocarditis. The patient can feel that the heart works “from time to time”, feel pain in his area, shortness of breath and general malaise. The severity of these manifestations depends on the degree of damage to the heart muscle and ranges from discomfort to problems with any physical activity.
Myocarditis: risk group
Considering how myocarditis develops, almost everyone is at risk: children, adults and the elderly. Those who have any pathology of the cardiovascular system are especially at risk. For example, these can be congenital diseases associated with dysfunction of the heart’s conduction system. Chronic broncho-obstructive diseases also deserve a special mention – they create a greater burden on the heart, which finds it difficult to pump blood through the lungs that are affected by fibrosis. The right side of the heart is particularly affected.
Prevents myocarditis
As with most diseases, the development of myocarditis can be prevented through prevention. The main rule is to always treat acute infections in a timely manner and not to leave them to chance. Do not forget to get vaccinated regularly and not to contact infected people, and if you are prone to allergies, with potential allergens. It is worth leading a healthy lifestyle, not only physiologically, but also psychologically – try to reduce stress and overwork, eat nutritiously and according to dietary rules. Talk to a doctor if you suspect myocarditis – early detection reverses pathological changes.
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2024-05-04 11:30:00
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