Can a cold also land you in the ICU? Be careful of hidden viral myocarditis

Xiao Li is 26 years old, loves sports and is in good health. He caught a cold some time ago, and at first he just felt dizzy and weak, but he didn't take it too seriously, thinking it would pass in a few days. He continued to work normally and stayed up late to play games. As a result, his condition suddenly worsened, and after two days of high fever, he developed symptoms of chest tightness and chest pain.

When he arrived at the hospital, he had already developed symptoms of heart failure and was in danger of death. He was admitted to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) by the emergency doctor and stayed there for 4 days and 3 nights before he was out of danger.

1. Hidden viral myocarditis After examination, Xiao Li was diagnosed with acute severe viral myocarditis. This is a myocardial inflammation caused by a virus, which is caused by direct invasion of the myocardium by the virus after infection, as well as the autoimmune response after the virus infection. In the early stages of the disease, viral myocarditis is very hidden, and the symptoms are very similar to those of a cold, with symptoms such as body aches, runny nose, headache, and fever, which can easily be mistaken for a cold.

But unlike the common cold, the virus can invade the myocardium and cause heart damage. In severe cases, it can affect heart function, and may cause heart failure, malignant arrhythmias, and even sudden death.

2. Avoid fatigue when cold symptoms appear. Both the common cold and viral myocarditis are caused by viruses. Humans still do not have specific drugs to fight against viruses, and can only rely on their own immune system to eliminate the virus. It takes about 3 to 5 days for the human body to produce antibodies after being infected with a virus, so the natural course of the common cold is about 7 days, the natural course of influenza is about 10 days, and the course of viral myocarditis is even longer.

If the virus attacks the heart, it will cause a decline in heart function. If you are too tired or stay up late at this time, your heart function will further deteriorate, which may cause fainting and sudden death. So when you have cold symptoms, you must pay attention to rest more and avoid fatigue.

3. What symptoms may be viral myocarditis? Mild viral myocarditis only shows cold symptoms without obvious heart symptoms, but after the cold symptoms subside, you will be particularly tired and sweat easily for a period of time. However, mild viral myocarditis is not very harmful and can be cured by paying attention to rest.

Typical symptoms of viral myocarditis are upper respiratory tract infection or intestinal infection symptoms, such as fever, body aches, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc., followed by chest tightness, palpitations, fatigue, chest pain, etc. in about 1 to 3 weeks. In severe cases, dizziness, difficulty breathing, body edema, and syncope may occur.

What should I do if I suspect I have viral myocarditis?

Seek medical attention promptly and have a doctor assist in the examination. You need to do an electrocardiogram to see if there are arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, etc.; do a cardiac ultrasound to see if there are structural changes such as heart enlargement and enlargement of the atrioventricular cavity; and do a blood test to check if there are any abnormalities in the corresponding indicators related to myocardial injury, such as myocardial enzyme spectrum, troponin, anti-myocardial antibodies, etc.

If you are diagnosed with viral myocarditis, in addition to following the doctor's advice on medication, you must also take a rest, avoid fatigue, and not increase the burden on your heart. Avoid emotional excitement, eat small meals frequently, don't overeat, and eat light, easily digestible foods.

To sum up, when you have cold symptoms, you should get more rest, avoid staying up late and overwork. If you have chest tightness, palpitations, and severe fatigue after catching a cold, beware of viral myocarditis. If you have suspected symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time to prevent it. I am pharmacist Huazi, welcome to follow me and share more health knowledge.