Viral Myocarditis

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

That was my final diagnosis: inflammation of the heart muscle, probably secondary to my recent bout with the flu.

Now, of course I've heard of endocarditis and pericarditis, but I'd never heard of this condition before. According to my research, it tends to mimic an MI, causing chest pain that radiates, dizziness, nausea, numbness/tingling and anxiety. Sometimes, if the case is particularly serious, it does damage the heart, but the rest of the time it only scares the hell out of the patient and creates the need for lots of tests to rule out other cardiac disorders. Since my doctor said my individual prognosis was excellent, I can now reassure everyone that there's nothing to worry about........although I still need to take Lipitor, lose weight, and cut down on sodium, I'm in good shape.

Just thought you'd like to know. :)