virus causing heart disease

The University of Toronto did a study with mice and discovered a gene (p56lck) caused a virus infection to make the t-cells eat heart muscle.  The result is the same as if the patient had had a severe heart attack. I had such an illness and now am on a medical program just like the heart attack victims.  My cardiologist told me that some patients have only mild heart problems, but he had heard of a few who that did not make it to the ER soon enough and died.  I know of a child (about 3 years old) that had the problem.  She was placed on the "berlin heart" but after about a year finally died.

The virus is apparently well known and that everyone has it in their intestines.  It is known as the 'coxsakievirus' and is said to be higly contageous.

What is the latest result related to this finding for human patients.?  Has anyone made any studies to show who is at risk?  Are there any simple things that can be done during the cold which was caused by my virus?




This discussion is related to Heart Virus.

[underinformed]

Hi, I don't really know the latest research on the virus but I got it when I was pregnant and it caused my heart to enlarge. I was pretty sick for a while( I was in icu on and off the last three months of my pregnancy) but then had my son and started to feel better. That was twelve years ago. I was recently diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome and my cardiologist believes it was a result of the virus and it just took this long to be diagnosed. I know that I have had rhythm problems every since I had the virus and they are getting worse. I did not have any heart issues prior to the virus. I completely believe that it caused everything. I just don't think my heart is strong. The least little thing will cause it to go crazy now. I am on Flecainide for the rhythm problems but my cardiologist said that I would soon have to have a pacemaker and an ablation. I am 36 years old!