Viral infection stops woman's heart
According to doctors, one in 1000 women suffer from this problem and often, the diagnosis does not identify the true nature of the crisis.
Hyderabad: A rare viral infection during the final month of pregnancy triggered peri partum cardio myopathy in a 24-year-old patient — leading to heart failure.
According to doctors, one in 1000 women suffer from this problem and often, the diagnosis does not identify the true nature of the crisis.
Patient Aruna Krishna had to undergo a heart transplant and her condition is now stable.
Ms Krishna’s heart lost its left ventricle to the infection, which then triggered heart failure.
Hailing from Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district, Ms Krishna had been suffering from this rare condition for the past two years.
Dr P.V. Naresh Kumar, a senior heart transplant surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals said, “Fortunately, she came to us on time as the heart’s right ventricle was not affected. Her lungs too were okay. Damaged lungs need to be stabilised and only then can transplants be carried out. When other organs such as the lungs, kidney or liver are not damaged, chances of a full recovery after a heart transplant are very high.”
Ms Krishna received the heart of a 47-year-old road accident victim from Telangana under the Jeevandan scheme of the government.
Her condition is currently stable but she has been ordered to constantly follow-up with the doctors as immuno-suppressants and medicines need to be monitored — keeping in mind her condition. Also, care has to be taken to ensure there are no further infections.