viral myocarditis Myocarditis is an inflammatory response affecting the myocardial cells, endocardium, blood vessels, and the visceral pericardium, triggered by various infectious agents. Viral myocarditis (VMC) is a disease characterized by localized or diffuse acute or chronic inflammatory lesions of the myocardium, caused by viral invasion of the heart, particularly Coxsackie B group viruses. The lesions may involve the pericardium or endocardium, with pathological features including degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells.

Myocarditis is an inflammatory response of the myocardial cells, endocardium, blood vessels, and the visceral layer of the pericardium caused by various infectious agents. Viral myocarditis (VMC) is a disease characterized by localized or diffuse acute or chronic myocardial inflammatory lesions caused by viral invasion of the heart, particularly by the Coxsackie B group of viruses, with possible involvement of the pericardium or endocardium, featuring degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells.

Classification based on disease progression:

Acute phase: A newly developed disease with prominent and varied symptoms, positive physical examination, and positive auxiliary examination findings, generally with a course of less than six months.

Subacute phase: Clinical symptoms reappear, inflammation indicators persist, and the condition lasts for more than six months.

Chronic phase: Progressive cardiac enlargement, recurrent heart failure, or arrhythmias, with the condition lasting for more than one year.

Patients typically present with symptoms of viral infection, with preceding prodromal symptoms occurring 1-3 weeks prior to onset, often involving gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, characterized by fever, generalized fatigue, and muscle pain, as well as digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Subsequently, cardiac-related clinical symptoms appear, including chest tightness, precordial oppression, chest pain, palpitations, and in severe cases, patients may experience severe palpitations, sensation of heart racing, irregular heartbeats, and more.

Rest is an important treatment measure during the acute phase of viral myocarditis.

For patients with heart failure or arrhythmias, symptomatic treatment such as the use of positive inotropes, diuretics, and vasodilators will be administered. Patients with arrhythmias should be given drugs with high efficacy and minimal side effects.

Patients should rest in bed as much as possible and limit heavy physical labor.

Once the condition stabilizes, treatment can be continued at home under medical guidance.

After the doctor assesses that the condition is truly stable, work and exercise intensity can be gradually resumed.

Patients should rest in bed and limit heavy physical labor until the condition stabilizes completely. As the course of viral myocarditis is relatively long, patients may experience emotional fluctuations and psychological issues, so family members should be attentive and supportive.

Pay attention to nutritional supplementation in daily life to ensure adequate intake of calories, protein, and vitamins.

Avoid overexertion and focus on bed rest.

Quit smoking and alcohol, and avoid stimulating diets.

The key to preventing viral myocarditis lies in reducing the risk of viral infection.

Maintain a balanced diet with adequate nutrition and limit high-sugar, high-salt, and high-fat diets.

Engage in moderate physical exercise to enhance physical fitness and improve cardiopulmonary function.

Get sufficient rest, avoid overexertion, and maintain good mental health.

Prevent infections and avoid respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Take preventive measures during peak disease seasons and cultivate good personal hygiene habits.