Does Herpes Cause Heart Damage And Nerve Damage?

Posted on Mon, 17 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 17 Feb 2014 Answered on

Thu, 6 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : does herpes cause heart damage or other nerve damage.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Herpes Zoster can cause heart and nerve damage. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing to HCM Human herpes virus family consists of eight members. Herpes Zoster can cause heart disease and nervous damage. Herpes Zoster is a condition caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV/HHV-3) and it increases the risk for myocardial infarctions (heart attacks). After primary infection virus persists in the sensory ganglia of the CNS. It is not clear that latent infection or reactivation after many years leads to infection and tissue damage in the dermatome supplied by the infected ganglia. Condition is most serious when cranial nerves are involved affecting the face/head.When eyes are involved,blindness can result. Whereas Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are very common and don't cause serious damage. HSV Type 1 usually affects the oral region and causes cold sores (herpes labialis) whereas HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes. Hope i have answered your query. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar