Viral Cardiomyopathy Explained: Randy Travis In Critical Condition

Country singer Randy Travis, 54, is hospitalized in critical condition with a viral heart infection, his publicist said Monday. Travis was admitted to an unidentified Texas hospital on Sunday because of complications related to his “recently acquired viral cardiomyopathy,” Travis spokesman Kirt Webster said in a written statement.

Viral cardiomyopathy is a disorder where a virus attacks the muscles of the heart, causing the heart to beat slower, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. In some cases, the heart can stop, it said.

“Viral cardiomyopathy can be caused by 30-plus different viruses, but it’s almost impossible to pinpoint which virus it is,” said Dr. Ramin Oskoui, a cardiologist and internal medicine specialist in Washington. “Hospitals use viral cardiomyopathy as a ‘catch all’ diagnosis.”

Travis had a tough year in 2012 with arrests for assault and public intoxication, which earned him probation.

“To say that Mr. Travis’ alcohol use exacerbated his problems would be pure speculation, but if someone told me alcohol played a role in his cardiac problems, I wouldn’t be surprised,” Oskoui said.

Travis was at the forefront of the “New Traditionalist” movement in the 1980s and 1990s, but he faded as the ’90s wore on. He made a comeback after turning to gospel music in 1999. His song “Three Wooden Crosses” won song of the year in 2003 from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

As one of country music’s top-selling artists, Travis has won seven Grammys, 10 Academy of Country Music awards and 10 American Music Award statuettes.

His best-known songs also include “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Diggin’ Up Bones” and “Deeper Than the Holler.”

VIDEO: Daniel S. Yip, M.D., director of heart failure and heart transplant at Mayo Clinic in Florida, talks about the causes, diagnosis and treatments of viral cardiomyopathy.