Lyme carditis complications prevention and recovery

Lyme carditis occurs when lyme disease bacteria affect the heart, leading to serious complications. Explore symptoms, risks, and treatment options.

What are the main causes of lyme carditis

• Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria transmitted through bites of infected black-legged ticks in grassy or wooded outdoor environments.
• Bacteria spread through blood, invade heart tissues, and interfere with electrical conduction, leading to rhythm disturbances and heart block.
• Risk rises with frequent outdoor activity without protection, lack of repellent, and failure to remove ticks promptly.

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Key symptoms of lyme carditis to watch for

• Palpitations, dizziness, or fainting due to disrupted electrical conduction affecting normal heart rhythm.
• Fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath as bacterial infection impacts cardiac function.
• Development of heart block causing dangerously slow heart rates requiring urgent medical attention.

How can you prevent lyme carditis effectively

• Wear protective clothing and use tick repellents when in grassy or wooded areas.
• Check your body after outdoor activity and remove ticks early to lower infection risk.
• Stay alert during peak tick season and seek medical advice after bites or suspicious symptoms.

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Images visual examples of lyme carditis

Lyme carditis is a dangerous complication of Lyme disease where bacteria damage the heart’s electrical system, leading to abnormal rhythms and potential heart block.

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Lyme carditis requires timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent lasting damage. Learn how awareness and care can protect heart health from this risk.