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Can HMPV worsen heart problems?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My son, who is 5 years old, got HMPV and cardiac shunt getting compromised. His oxygen dropped to 83 percent, and the shunt murmur changed. Lasix is not helping with swelling. Should I increase the dose? I have been suffering from a fever despite taking Tylenol. How long before permanent heart damage? When should we head to the emergency room?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Wajahat

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Wajahat is an experienced Cardiologist dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of heart and vascular diseases. He specializes in treating hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and rhythm disorders. With a patient-centered and evidence-based approach, he focuses on accurate diagnosis, advanced cardiac care, and personalized treatment plans to improve heart health and overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

It is certainly a worrying situation when a child has HMPV (human metapneumovirus) and cardiac shunts. If your baby previously had normal oxygen saturation levels and they are now declining, an emergency room visit is recommended. He likely needs supplemental oxygen and continued monitoring. If your baby had low oxygen saturation previously due to the cardiac shunt, and it is now declining further, this is also a sign that requires immediate medical care and supervision. If your baby is experiencing swelling and not responding to the previous dose of Lasix (Furosemide), further diuretic medication may be needed. Again, hospital admission and monitoring would be necessary in this case.

A continuously high-grade fever also requires medical management, and the possibility of an additional opportunistic infection should be investigated.

I hope this information is helpful.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Wajahat
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 16, 2025
Reviewed At August 28, 2025

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Wajahat is an experienced Cardiologist dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of heart and vascular diseases. He specializes in treating hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and rhythm disorders. With a patient-centered and evidence-based approach, he focuses on accurate diagnosis, advanced cardiac care, and personalized treatment plans to improve heart health and overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Wajahat is an experienced Cardiologist dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of heart and vascular diseases. He specializes in treating hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and rhythm disorders. With a patient-centered and evidence-based approach, he focuses on accurate diagnosis, advanced cardiac care, and personalized treatment plans to improve heart health and overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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