Posted on 07/09/2013 1:35:15 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Country singer, Randy Travis is in critical condition after being admitted to a Texas hospital on Sunday, July 7, 2013 for viral cardiomyopathy, reports USA Today. Cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the heart muscles, and can be genetic, but also can be caused by a virus, or can even be a result of another medical condition.
So what is cardiomyopathy – specifically, what is viral cardiomyopathy – and what are some of the possible treatments that Randy Travis may have to undergo for recovery?
What is Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that makes the heart to become enlarged, thick, or rigid. As cardiomyopathy progresses, the muscles of the heart become weak and cannot pump blood as well as they should. This can lead to heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and irregular heart beats – and can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, feet, legs, and abdomen.
There are four main types of cardiomyopathy: dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, and arrhymogentic right-ventrical dysplasia cardiomyopathy. These diseases can be caused by other medical conditions, or can be passed down through families, and many times, the cause remains unknown.
Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid or unusual heartbeat, fluid retention, and fatigue. In cases where the cause is a viral infection, symptoms can also include headache, body aches, joint pain, fever, sore throat, or diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic.
A virus causes the type of cardiomyopathy that Randy Travis has contracted – hence the name, ‘viral cardiomyopathy,’ also known as myocarditis.
Viruses that cause myocarditis can include parvo B19, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, cytomegalovirus, and sometimes the Epstein-Barr virus, and influenza viruses. According to an article entitled “Human Viral Cardiomyopathy,” a viral infection to the heart is relatively common, but generally occurs without any symptoms and the person recovers. However, the authors note that in rare cases in can lead to “substantial cardiac damage” that can result in cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.
Viral Cardiomyopathy Treatment
According to the American Heart Association, in some cases, such as patients with no symptoms, no treatment is necessary. However, in other cases where the cause of the disease is known, and the patient is experiencing symptoms, treatment can include medications, surgery, and implanted medical devices. These treatments can reduce symptoms and stop the disease from progressing. According to the Mayo Clinic, in mild cases of viral cardiomyopathy the doctor may prescribe rest and medications to help fight off the infectionl in severe cases, surgery and heart transplant maybe necessary.
Randy Travis’ Viral Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy can be a serious and life-threatening disease in some cases, and if not properly treated. Treatment will depend on the cause of the disease, and as in Randy Travis’ case, hospitalization maybe necessary. Details of the popular country singer’s health status are thin on the ground; Decoded Science will watch for updates on his treatment and recovery.
It killed a freind of mine in his early 40’s. He felt like he had the flu. By the time he went to the hospital, in 12 hours he was dead.
Hope he fairs better.
When a virus attacks the heart tissue...
I did some checking on his bio, and he was a real hellion growing up, and even after. A lot of booze and drugs, which probably damaged his body to the point of his current health issues.
Why are people trying to blame the victim
Does anyone know how old he is?
Early 50’s.
RE: Does anyone know how old he is?
Born: May 4, 1959 (age 54)
I know 2 guys who suffered from this. Ironically, they were employer and employee. The employee had flu and cold symptoms that did not respond to treatment. Finally, he was hospitalized and they discovered the cause, an infection which affected his heart. He had a heart valve transplant from a pig. The other guy, several years later, developed the same disease. He was saved by a transplanted valve from a human corpse.
Nice pictures at the link you provided. I like the one with Michele Bachmann...
I have a first cousin about my age who had her heart attacked by a virus. She was weakened to the point of being lifeless. They transplanted a heart from a black man who had been killed in a car crash. That was 15 to 20 years ago.
Even as a child she was not in good health, and her health is not good now. But she would have died many years ago if not for the transplant. She was able to complete enough years for a teacher retirement. It gives our family a little different perspective on the issue of race. She was lucky. I am afraid Randy Travis may not be so lucky.
Not that it matters at all, but I’d bet that alcohol usage was the root cause of his illness. Dont care at all for his music, but hope he gets better.
TMZ reported that the singer’s health deteriorated rapidly over the past several days after he developed what he thought was a cold. Travis was then airlifted to a hospital on Sunday, according to the site. ......
“Contrary to reports, Randy Travis has not undergone heart surgery. Travis is being treated for viral cardiomyopathy,” rep Kirt Webster said in a statement. “Travis was admitted into a Texas hospital on Sunday and underwent placement of an IMPELLA peripheral left ventricular assist device for stabilization prior to transferring hospitals.” ....
end snips
around 53 or so
I had this same condition.....in July of 2000.
I had flu-like symptoms, was coughing a lot, had trouble breathing when climbing stairs, and my body felt like it was made of lead.
Finally, on my birthday 13 years ago this month, my sister noticed that I was having problems even picking up a book. She pleaded with my to go the ER at a local hospital here in Maine, which I did.
They took x-rays. I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, which included an enlarged heart, congestive heart failure, a thickening of some of the walls of the heart, etc. Fluid build-up in my heart, too.
I was in intensive care for three days. I didn’t have a doctor, so one of the on call doctors....a woman....became my personal MD. In addition to various meds, she suggested taking co-enzyme Q10,,,,,,CO-Q 10. In cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, CO-Q 10 can repair the heart muscle.
A normal “ejection-fraction” is between 55 - 73%. Mine was 21%. A year later, it was 50%, in 2001. My doctor called me all excited after my 2001 echo-cardiogram, and told me, “You’re cured!” In 2002, my ejection fraction. was 60%.
Bottom line, I’m active, run up stairs, lift heavy objects, exercise, lift weights, etc. Hurray!
By happenstance, I was visiting a relative at a hospital in Bangor, Maine in 2003, and I bumped into the cardiologist I had one appointment with in the summer of 2000. When I told him how dramatically my ejection fraction improved from the C0-Q 10, his eyes were as wide as saucers.
You can buy CO-Q 10 in quantity at Sam’s Club, or in WalMart or pretty much any drug store chain. They don’t know what caused my former condition.....they suspected a virus. Heavy drinking can also cause this condition but, as I told the doctors, “I don’t drink, so that’s not the cause.”
I found a medical study on the Internet back in 2000 which was conducted by a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic. He had a number of patients who were on a transplant list. He gave them all CO-Q10, and their heart functions improved greatly....he removed ALL of these patients from the transplant list.
As for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, this type is a congenital condition. Basically, you’re born with it, and people who have this can die suddenly without warning.
RE: CO-Q10
How many milligrams do you take daily? Thanks.
He lasted about another 5 years after the original infection.
I wish this on no one... not after witnessing the aftermath first hand.
And Dad was a hellion, but not an alcoholic....
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