The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that there is currently no vaccine or medicine that will treat that Zika virus, which is transmitted via an infected Aedes species mosquito. ReactDx, creators of a top-notch ECG monitor, is sharing a new report that links heart arrhythmias with this dangerous virus.
The Mayo Clinic details a study conducted by the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Caracas, Venezuela on nine adult patients – six of which were female and three of which were male. Each of these individuals had excellent cardiovascular health before they contracted the Zika virus with the exception of one patient that had high blood pressure. From the time the first symptoms of the condition presented themselves to the time the patients were seen by the institute was two weeks.
Doctor Karina Gonzalez Carta from the Mayo Clinic commented that other mosquito-borne illnesses were known to affect the heart, so it made sense to test the Zika patients. She was surprised, however, at the findings. Eight of the nine individuals had abnormal EKG results, which then prompted a more comprehensive workup.
Once the additional tests came back, it was discovered that eight patients had significant arrhythmias. There were also cases of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and nonsustained atrial tachycardia. While many of the individuals’ heart health began to get better after therapy was implemented, none of the patients were completely cured.
Although physicians are aware that the Zika virus is known to cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (an immune system disorder) and microcephaly in the babies of pregnant women, it is not common knowledge that Zika increases the risk for heart arrhythmias. This puts patients at risk, as they are not appropriately diagnosed, monitored, and treated.
While some arrhythmias are harmless, the American Heart Association warns that others are extremely dangerous. This is why heart disease is often referred to as the “silent killer.” The association recommends proper monitoring and treatment for patients with this condition. ReactDx is a reputable supplier of ECG monitors that can be used to record cardiovascular health. Contact ReactDx at 800-234-3278, or learn more by visiting our News & Updates page.
