It is now proven that patients who contracted Covid-19 had a series of adverse effects on the blood vessels, the myocardium and the electrical system of the heart. Not only those who already had a known heart problem, but also people who either did not know they had a heart condition, or did not have one before contracting Covid.
Coronavirus infection (Covid-19) can cause acute myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, worsening of heart failure, etc. The acute inflammation caused by the viral infection can cause a rupture of atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries and lead to a heart attack. The inflammatory reaction creates conditions that can lead to arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and even sudden cardiac death.
In addition, patients who contracted Covid-19 were found to have developed myocarditis and, in particular, dilated cardiomyopathy, as an isolated complication.
The diagnosis of the condition, in the majority of cases, is effectively treated by the Cardiologist, provided that the patient is diagnosed in a timely manner and is periodically monitored by the doctor.
These cases of myocarditis are not due exclusively to covid-19, but more generally to patients who have contracted a viral or microbial infection in the past. Acute myocarditis from Covid-19 is acute myocardial damage that occurs either due to the toxicity of the virus or due to acute inflammation of the heart muscle.
The symptoms of myocarditis after Covid-19 are manifested by chest pain and tests at the Cardiologist show an abnormal electrocardiogram and positive troponin in the blood. The best imaging test for the diagnosis of acute myocarditis is cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment of acute myocarditis includes medications that reduce blood pressure, heart rate and have antiarrhythmic effects and medications that improve myocardial contractility. Rest and monitoring by a cardiologist are also recommended for at least 6 months, after which a normal return to exercise is allowed after complete cardiological examinations.
