Cologne, Germany (dpa) - Exercise usually helps strengthen the
heart but after a bout of flu or another viral infection, it can have
deadly consequences.
It's advisable to three or four days pass before resuming your
workout routine.
The condition, myocarditis, slows down the return to the gym. The
heart muscle tissue can become infected "more often than you'd
think," says Hans-Georg Predel, head of the Institute for Circulatory
Research and Sports Medicine at the German Sports Academy in Cologne.
And to exacerbate matters, myocarditis often goes unnoticed.
"Studies have shown that many of those afflicted never even notice
the problem."
Regardless of the viral infection - whether it is flu, a cold,
measles, chicken pox or hepatitis - there's always the risk the virus
can effect the heart. Stress increases the risk that the muscle
surrounding the heart can become infected.
About 5 per cent of deaths among younger athletes can be linked to
complications from myocarditis. "An accelerated return to strenuous
activity is a huge health risk," warns Hans-Joachim Trappe of the
Ruhr University in Bochum. "If you recover from an infection slowly
and face an unexplained drop in performance, that can be a sign that
the heart's functions have been disrupted."
But the symptoms are barely discernible from the original health
problem. "You have to keep a close eye on the body," says Predel.
Severe exhaustion, disruptions of heart rhythms, a racing pulse and
chest pains are all possible signs of myocarditis.
"Don't hesitate in such a case. Go straight to the doctor," says
Eckhart Fleck, director of cardiology at the German Heart Centre in
Berlin. Any sports-related problems that manifest themselves for the
first time or grow worse need to be taken seriously and cleared up.
Most cases of heart muscle infection go undiscovered and the body
heals itself without consequences.
Still, the sniffles don't mean you have to give up your workout,
but, "Just take it slow," advises Predel.
A flu takes time to work itself out. And it's very important to
take the medicine as prescribed by a doctor and according to the
instructions and for the full regimen. Anyone who wants to work out
with a cold should be checked out first.
But it's not always easy for a doctor to diagnose an infection of
the heart muscle. "There's no method that catches every form of
myocarditis," says Fleck.
The basic check-up requires an ultrasound to detect changes in the
heart muscle. Blood tests and an EKG are often part of the check-up.
A magnetic resonance imaging test is the best test: "But even here,
there's no 100-per-cent security."
Rest and recovery are usually the best medicine. "If the heart is
infected, it needs some relief." Swap your running shoes for a few
weeks in favour of the sofa or stay in bed, if that's what your
doctor prescribes. Naturally, take medication as directed, says
Fleck.
Anyone aged 35 and older belongs to the group at risk of a heart
muscle infection.
"Additionally, factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a lack of
exercise, smoking, high blood pressure and any congenital
abnormalities all effect the heart muscle," explains Predel.
Those contemplating a gym routine this spring should consult a
doctor beforehand for a thorough check-up, advises Trappe. Anyone
with a heightened number of risk factors should undergo EKG tests,
both at rest and during exercise. And always think about their
physical limitations.
INFOBOX: Health check for competitive sports
Heart check-ups before competitive sports events have been
standard in Italy for more than 25 years. Experts from the European
Society of Cardiology say they are certain that this has helped
prevent many sports-related deaths.
The average age of participants in marathons has increased in
recent years.
"The runners are, on average, 40 years old," says Hans-Georg
Predel, a sports physician at the German Sports Academy in Cologne.
That means increased risks.
German groups have begun to err on the side of safety and demand
doctor's consent forms before allowing some people to participate in
events.
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