Flu infection can lead to myocarditis

Shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular pulse: If you do not fully recover from a cold during the cold season, you risk a dangerous inflammation of the heart muscle.

Winter is cold season. This increases the risk of developing a serious heart disease from a relatively harmless infection. This makes it all the more important to cure a flu infection properly. This is because the viruses and bacteria do not only spread in the upper respiratory tract, i.e. the throat, nose and pharynx.

“The viruses enter the entire body via the blood – right up to the heart muscle, the myocardium,” explains Dr. Reinhold Lunow, medical director of Practice Clinic for Prevention and Diagnosis in Bornheim between Cologne and Bonn. “There they can also trigger inflammatory processes, leading to a myocarditis. "

The consequences are dramatic: the heart's performance decreases permanently, and chronic cardiac arrhythmias can occur. Myocarditis is often the cause of sudden cardiac death. "This even applies to trained athletes. Anyone who is physically active despite an infection and puts strain on their circulatory system is taking a lot of risks," warns Dr. Lunow.

If you experience heart palpitations or shortness of breath, Doctor

At least 5% of all infections also affect the heart muscle. It is therefore important to take the first warning signs seriously: shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, tiredness, a general feeling of malaise, loss of appetite or aching limbs can be signs of myocarditis.

Often, inflammation of the heart muscle is accompanied by only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Or the symptoms are difficult to distinguish from those of the cold that caused it. Therefore, you should not hesitate to see a doctor as a precaution if you notice the corresponding signs. This also applies if the cold lasts longer than 14 days.

Exact Diagnosis is heart muscle inflammation

In order to diagnose myocarditis, special attention is paid to laboratory values ​​during the blood test that are considered markers of inflammation: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP or the blood count. Cardiac muscle enzymes such as CK or CK-MB as well as troponin indicate the destruction of the heart muscle. The so-called pro BNP test can detect incipient heart failure at an early stage.

Im ECG An accelerated heart rate and cardiac arrhythmias are often observed, which can occur in attacks or permanently. In addition, changes in the ST segment and the T wave occur. In order to clarify the cardiac arrhythmia precisely, a Holter necessary.

Of particular importance for diagnosis is the Echocardiography: an ultrasound of the heart. This can be used to diagnose a reduced pumping capacity of the heart at an early stage. A mild form of myocarditis can be distinguished from a severe form in the early stages. Often, the inflammation of the heart muscle also affects the pericardium, in which fluid accumulates (pericardial effusion). Such pericarditis is Echocardiography good to see.

If blood count, ECG If myocarditis cannot be ruled out by echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging of the heart (cardio-MRI) may be indicated.

In case of infection, no Sports or physical exertion

“To cure an infection properly and consistently, you should above all get plenty of sleep and generally avoid physical exertion,” recommends Dr. Lunow. “This also includes avoiding Stress." Alcohol and nicotine are also taboo. Even if you have recovered from the infection, the pathogens can continue to spread in the heart muscle and damage the tissue. "Therefore, avoid sport and heavy physical work for the next two to four weeks. Make sure you relax," advises Dr. Lunow.

The basic rule is: If you have an existing heart disease, such as heart failure, coronary heart disease or after a Heart attack, you should not exercise outdoors in winter. Ask your doctor when and under what conditions you can safely exercise in the cold season.

(Image: marilega/Fotolia.com)