Young Lawyer’s Heart Recovers From COVID-19 and Myocarditis

Chavez Adams, a 29-year-old lawyer from Holly Springs, NC, tested positive for COVID-19, quarantined for two weeks and recovered. Weeks later, Chavez developed a fever and went to his local urgent care clinic. His heart rate was above normal and Chavez was admitted to WakeMed Health in Raleigh, NC, with an ejection fraction of less than 20%. Chavez’s condition quickly deteriorated and he went into cardiogenic shock. He was rushed to the cardiac catheterization lab where Dr. Saroj Neupane and his team determined Chavez was experiencing myocarditis, likely due to COVID-19.  The Impella CP® heart pump was implanted to allow his heart to rest.  After three days of support, Chavez’s heart recovered and Impella® was removed. Chavez returned home four days later with a normal ejection fraction (55-60%).  Today, he has returned to work and an active lifestyle with his wife Ashlea.

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. There are potential risks, these risks need to be discussed with your doctor and recovery takes time. The success of this procedure depends on many factors, including your physical condition and your body’s ability to tolerate the procedure. Use care in the selection of your doctors and hospital, based on their skill and experience.