Young man suddenly develops acute myocarditis after a bout of cold.

A 34-year-old patient in Ho Chi Minh City, after a week of fever and mild cough, suddenly experienced dizziness and rapid heartbeat.

The patient was admitted to the emergency room at Saigon General Hospital. About a week prior, he had an upper respiratory infection, sore throat, mild fever, and a slight cough, but did not see a doctor. Basic tests showed an elevated white blood cell count, so the doctor admitted him with an initial diagnosis of pharyngitis and continued monitoring.

Dr. Nguyen Khac Vui, Deputy Director of Saigon General Hospital, said that with three factors – the patient had previously experienced respiratory infections, a rapid heartbeat, and abnormal cardiac enzymes – doctors suspected viral myocarditis. After conducting further specialized tests, the doctors confirmed the suspicion.

If you experience unusual symptoms such as fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, you should see a doctor. (Illustrative image.)

During the first 24 hours, the patient's heart rate decreased rapidly and continuously. Initially, the heart rate was 86 beats per minute, at times dropping as low as 49 beats per minute. Doctors had to actively monitor vital signs, control infection, and provide supportive treatment. After about a week, cardiac enzyme levels returned to normal, but the heart rate remained slow, so the patient continued with the antiviral treatment regimen.

According to Dr. Vui, acute viral myocarditis is often overlooked in diagnosis if not carefully considered. This is a dangerous disease.It progressed very rapidly.It carries a high risk of death and sudden cardiac arrest. Fortunately, this case was detected in time, and the patient did not experience cardiogenic shock. The disease is quite rare; this is the first time Saigon General Hospital has received a patient with this condition.

Typically, when a virus enters the body, it initially causes a sore throat and fever. After about 5-7 days, it will invade the brain or other organs. When it attacks the heart, the virus damages myocardial cells, reducing the heart's contractility, causing arrhythmias, and leading to circulatory collapse. In some cases, even with early detection, the patient can still die within 24-48 hours.

Doctors advise patients not to underestimate common colds and flu, and to monitor and treat any infections or secondary infections. Prevention involves maintaining hygiene and limiting contact with people who have viral illnesses. If unusual symptoms such as fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing occur, patients should see a doctor for timely diagnosis and should not self-medicate.

According to VNE