How to Treat Myocardial Damage Caused by the Common Cold

It is clinically common for patients to develop acute myocarditis following a cold. This condition occurs due to inflammation and tissue edema in the myocardium, which leads to heart muscle damage. The primary treatment strategies for myocarditis include:

General Treatment and Rest

One of the most critical aspects of managing myocarditis after a cold is ensuring complete rest. Patients are generally advised to remain in absolute bed rest for a minimum of two weeks. This significantly reduces the workload on the heart, allowing the inflamed myocardial tissue to heal. In more severe cases where the patient's condition is unstable, the rest period may be extended to four weeks or even up to six months. Adequate rest remains the cornerstone of recovery in such cases.

Symptomatic Treatment Approaches

In addition to rest, symptomatic treatment plays a vital role in managing complications associated with myocarditis. For example, if the patient experiences damage to the heart's conduction system leading to arrhythmias or blockages, temporary pacing with a pacemaker may be required to maintain stable heart function and protect the patient's life.

Managing Arrhythmias

If the patient develops rapid heart rhythms such as tachycardia or premature beats, antiarrhythmic therapy is essential. These medications help stabilize the heart rate and rhythm, preventing further damage to the cardiac system. Alongside these treatments, supportive care such as the administration of vitamin C may be used to enhance myocardial nutrition and support overall heart health.