Fw: March 2004 eFibro Newsletter

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March 2004 eFibro Newsletter

Cardiac dysfunction resulting in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome due to EBV and/or CMV infection Review

by Kent Holtorf, M.D., Medical Director Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers

There are a number of studies indicating that an Epstein-Barr (EBV) and/or cytomegalovirus infection of the heart muscle can decreases the heart's ability to pump and may be the cause of CFS in a number of patients. A rapid resting heart rate can be a sign that this is a problem. Studies also indicate that when the EBV and CMV infections are eradicated, there is significant or complete resolution of the symptoms of CFS. I have found many CFS/FM patients to be infected with active EBV and/or CMV infections, especially those with rapid heart rates. When these infections are eradicated, the patient can have tremendous improvement and his or her heart rate declines. Many patients are told that they do have these infections but that they are not treatable. These are, however, very treatable infections. The studies below used rather toxic medications to eradicate the CMV infection, but this can usually be done with less toxic methods. It is important to note that just treating EBV, without treating the CMV co-infection, does not result in improvement. See the rest of this review at Dr. Holtorf's About.com page on Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

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Are All Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia Patients Low Thyroid?

There is mounting evidence that hypothyroidism is present in the majority of and possibly all chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia (CF/FM) patients. The problem is that standard blood testing that consists of TSH, T4 and T3 does not detect it. Thus, many CF/FM patients are erroneously told over and over that their thyroid levels are fine.

See the rest of this article at Dr. Holtorf's About.com page on Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

This newsletter is sponsored by: Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, Inc.

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