health
March 16, 2026
Completely Healthy Girl Becomes Cardiac Patient After Virus, Warns Dr. Igor Živković from Dedinje Institute
When a virus enters the body, it attacks not only the lungs but all organs. What we learned during the COVID era is that people in full strength fall and fail to fight the infection. However, there is a more dangerous condition, and that is when the virus is not fully cured and 'attacks' the heart. Cardiothoracic surgeon from the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases 'Dedinje', Dr. Igor Živković, reveals in the podcast 'Zdravo sa Ivanom' how it is possible for someone to get heart failure 'from full strength', what symptoms are a warning to see a doctor, and how acceptable it is for the pulse to rise during physical exertion.
TL;DR
- Viruses can attack all organs, not just the lungs, and can lead to serious heart conditions like myocarditis and heart failure.
- Ignoring viral infections and resuming physical activity before full recovery can cause significant damage to the heart.
- An excessively high heart rate during physical exertion, above 160-170 bpm, can shorten diastole, reducing the heart muscle's nourishment.
- Waking up between 3 and 4 AM with a rapid heartbeat could be due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system or psychological stress.
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