Post viral tachycardia

[Parvosufferer]

Hi

I am 28 yr old female and contracted Parvovirus B19 spring 2010. Although this is usually a mild illness for children I was very sick in 2010 and continue to have several unpleasant post-viral symptoms. I have a daily battle with muscle pain, joint pain, extreme fatigue and a constant fast heart rate (110-120 resting). I get extremely tired, dizzy and fatigued with only mild exertion (175-180 walking up stairs). I had a holter monitor for a day which confirmed this. I recently had a treadmill stress test which did not go very well. I only managed just over 6 minutes and had to stop in Stage 3 with a heart rate of 175. Apparently I had a 'flat BP response' which is abnormal, right? I have had echo's and ultrasounds and no sign of a blockage.

What could be causing this abnormal HR and flat BP response? Will the flat BP response explain why I get fatigued and dizzy with mild exertion? I understand parvovirus can cause a lot of damage to the body in adulthood - is it possible that it has damaged my heart? Can all these symptoms be explained by anxiety / stress (fast HR, flat BP response to exercise, dizziness, fatigue)?

I am waiting to see my Dr for official feedback on the stress test and the next steps.

(I am 5"4, 119lb, non smoker, no drugs, minimal alcohol, thyroid was slightly overactive in December but back to normal now).

Parvosufferer

[Parvosufferer]

Thanks.

I don't know how I got it. I don't have children, so no direct contact with day cares. I was flying a lot last year, so perhaps on an airplane. Best to get it as a child and get the immunity I guess!

[nursegirl6572]

Just keep in close communication with your cardiologist and be sure to let him know if your symptoms worsen.  Fifth's disease in adults is very rare!  In 17+ years of being a nurse, I've only ever heard of ONE adult with it...you making two!  In kids (especially in daycare settings)...it's more common and VERRRRRY contagious!  Curious...how did you get it?  Do you know?

Good luck!!!  Keep us updated!

[Parvosufferer]

Not at all, as nasty as it is I don't think it is that common in adults. It is very contagious and most people get it as a child and are then immune (a bit like chicken pox I guess). There is still a lot to be discovered about it's persistence and effects in the body.

Thank you again for your post.

[RubyWitch]

Sounds like you have an excellent doctor and you're in very capable hands. I wonder why the CDC would make no mention of myocarditis? That seems pretty damn neglectful. I may have to change my thinking about them.
I'm sorry my advice, as per the CDC, was obviously lacking in it's scope of Parvovirus.
I wish you the very best and a speedy recovery. Let us know how your doing, OK?
Peace
Greenlydia  

[Parvosufferer]

Thank you for your post. My Dr thinks it is possible that the virus has caused myocarditis. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001204/ This link has parvo as one of the causing viruses. It would explain the rapid heart rate and flat BP response. We are doing more cardiac work to look into this.

Parvovirus surely can be a nasty virus in adulthood, especially for women it appears.

Thanks again

Parvosufferer.

[RubyWitch]

I went to the CDC Website and looked up Parvovirus B19. I didn't realize this was the official name for "Fifths Disease" which one of my sons had many years ago. As you said, in children it is quite benign, my son was perfectly fine in a week or so, but in adults it can cause more serious symptoms.
Of those symptoms, anemia seemed to be the most serious, but that was resolved with transfusions. I saw no mention of any cardiac involvement at all. I put a lot of faith in the CDC.....an agency that pretty much tells it like it is. I have added the link here:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/parvo_b19.htm
I'm glad you will be seeing your doctor for a follow up to the stress test and urge you have a very long discussion about the cardiac symptoms.

Whether your cardiac symptoms are being caused by the "Fifths" or not, something is going on and I hope a cardiologist will be involved in your upcoming consult.
Please let us know how you're doing.
I wish you the best
Peace
Greenlydia