2024-05-04 11:30:00
Myocarditis is an inflammatory change in the myocardium that has a wide variety of etiologies. They are dangerous because can become a complication of simple illnesses like the flu, but they do not always present characteristic symptoms. Director of the Department of Pathomorphology and Clinical Cytology of the LabQuest laboratory, candidate of medical sciences Dmitry Bulanov explained 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 injuries.
- The first is linked to its toxic damage. This may include long-term use of alcohol, illicit substances, or certain medications.
- The second group of myocarditis is associated with disease of the endocrine glands, in particular the thyroid gland.
- And the third is myocarditis of a viral-bacterial nature, considered the most common. This is especially true for viral etiology. That is why it is necessary to dwell in more detail on viral infections.
Common diseases can lead to serious complications in the form of myocarditis: influenza, parainfluenza, various groups of respiratory viruses. Illnesses considered “infantile” cannot be ruled out either. Measles, rubella, chickenpox, whooping cough and diphtheria: adults are also susceptible to these diseases, as well as their complications.
Why are myocardial diseases dangerous?
Main problem, occurring in the myocardium during viral infections, is associated with the likelihood of developing vasculitis – a disease in which inflammation of the vascular wall occurs. As a result, the blood supply to an organ or group of organs is disrupted, leading to disruption of their function. Many viruses can cause this illness, such as COVID-19, the herpes virus, and the Epstein-Barr virus.
There is also second danger — during the immune response, our body produces antibodies once morest the virus envelope proteins. Some of them may have a structure similar to proteins in our cells, leading to autoimmune reactions. Autoantibodies appear – substances directed once morest a person’s own proteins. And they can directly damage cardiomyocytes, the muscle cells of the heart. In other words, myocarditis that occurs following a viral infection is often caused by autoimmune processes.
In addition, during myocarditis, expansion of the capillary walls is observed due to their plethora – excess blood. Additionally, the vessel wall can be damaged by viruses. As a result, cells produced by the body in response to inflammation can begin to infiltrate and damage surrounding tissues. This also applies to cardiomyocytes.
How does heart failure manifest?
As dystrophic changes in the muscle cells of the heart progress, a person may experience signs of heart failure, which can subsequently lead to life-threatening illnesses. First of all, these are serious disturbances in the heart rhythm – the system that conducts electrical impulses and regulates the electrical activity of the heart suffers. In addition, due to myocarditis, its contractility is impaired. Up to a certain threshold, myocardial damage is reversible: the heart is capable of reestablishing its rhythm. However, if the process continues, the consequences can be fatal.
All of the above constitutes a symptomatic picture of myocarditis. The patient may have the impression that the heart is working “intermittently”, experience pain in its 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 associated with any physical activity.
Myocarditis: risk group
Given the way myocarditis develops, virtually everyone is at risk: children, adults and the elderly. Those who already suffer from a pathology of the cardiovascular system are particularly at risk. For example, these may be congenital diseases associated with malfunction of the conduction system of the heart. Chronic broncho-obstructive diseases also deserve special mention: they create an increased load on the heart, which has difficulty pumping blood through the lungs affected by fibrosis. The right side of the heart is particularly affected.
Myocarditis prevention
Like the vast majority of diseases, the development of myocarditis can be avoided through prevention. The main rule is to always treat acute infections in time and never leave them to chance. Remember to vaccinate yourself regularly and not have contact with 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 minimize stress and overwork, eat nutritiously and follow dietary rules. See a doctor if you suspect myocarditis – early detection makes pathological changes reversible.
Who costs the most according to Transfermarkt?
Sanya is more expensive! More information regarding the new super football prize game
1714848436
#clinical #recommendations #myocardial #diseases #manifest #heart #failure #prevention
