Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, known as the myocardium. It is not a well-known heart disease, but it is serious. The heart muscle that gets inflamed is responsible for contracting and relaxing to pump blood in and out of the heart and to the rest of the body. When the myocardium occurs, the ability to pump blood is significantly reduced. This can lead to many problems and life-threatening complications if not treated immediately. Learn everything you need to know about myocarditis in this article. Get a consultation with the best cardiologists in Brooklyn.
What is myocarditis?
Myocarditis refers to inflammation of the heart muscle, which is also known as myocardium. Inflammation in the heart causes a decrease in blood flow. Inflammation of the myocardium can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
Viruses can cause myocarditis if they infect the heart. An adverse drug reaction or an underlying inflammatory condition can lead to myocarditis.
The rest of the body suffers from the heart’s weakness due to severe myocarditis. Blood clots in the heart are the primary cause of strokes and heart attacks. The severity often depends on the underlying cause of the inflammation and the individual’s overall health. Myocarditis can be treated with medication, procedures, or even surgery.
Common Causes of Heart Muscle Inflammation
The causes of myocarditis vary, but it often results from the body’s immune response to an infection.
- Viral Infections: This is the most common trigger. Viruses like those that cause the common cold (adenovirus), COVID-19, hepatitis B and C, parvovirus (which causes fifth disease), and herpes simplex virus can all lead to myocarditis.
- Bacterial Infections: Bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and the bacterium that causes Lyme disease can also trigger inflammation in the heart muscle.
- Fungal and Parasitic Infections: In rarer cases, infections from fungi (like Candida) or parasites (like Trypanosoma cruzi) can be the cause.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can sometimes lead to myocarditis.
- Toxins and Drugs: Exposure to certain chemicals, toxins, or allergic reactions to specific drugs (including some antibiotics or medications used to treat cancer) can cause an inflammatory response in the heart.
Symptoms
Myocarditis may go unnoticed in some patients because of a lack of symptoms in the early stages. They aren’t always severe.
One of the most common signs of myocarditis is swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. Other symptoms include:
- Chest pain (often described as sharp or stabbing)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath, both at rest and during physical activity
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet (edema)
- Light-headedness or feeling like you might faint
- Flu-like symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, fever, or a sore throat
In more severe cases, the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively can lead to the formation of blood clots, which could result in a heart attack or stroke. So, don’t ignore your symptoms and seek medical help immediately.
Myocarditis in children
Chest pain, fainting, high fever, and rapid breathing are all possible symptoms in children with myocarditis (arrhythmias).
Viral infections frequently result in myocarditis as a side effect. However, even after the infection has been cleared, the heart continues to be stressed by the resulting inflammation. Cancer, bacterial infections, and other contagious diseases can also cause giant cell myocarditis, as can exposure to environmental toxins such as metal poisons and spider and snake venom. However, it is possible to treat this type of disease successfully if caught early enough. There is no known way to avoid contracting myocarditis at this time.
How is Myocarditis Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosing myocarditis involves several steps, as doctors work to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.
Diagnostic Process
A physician usually starts with a physical exam and reviews your medical history. To confirm his findings, the doctor may recommend the following tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test is used to record the heart’s electrical activity, which helps detect abnormal rhythms or signs of heart muscle damage.
- Blood Tests: These tests are used to check inflammation markers and heart muscle injury.
- Chest X-ray: This imaging test can show the size and shape of the heart and check for fluid in the lungs, a sign of heart failure.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart is used to get detailed images of the heart’s chambers and valves, showing how well it is pumping.
- Cardiac MRI: This advanced imaging test is used to detect inflammation and scarring within the heart muscle.
- Endomyocardial Biopsy: In some cases, a small tissue sample is taken from the heart muscle for laboratory testing for inflammation. This is the most accurate way to find myocarditis, but it is reserved for specific situations due to its invasive nature.
Treatment Approaches
Myocarditis treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing the symptoms. The goal is to support the heart’s functionality and allow it to heal.
- Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications to reduce the heart’s workload, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics. If an autoimmune disease is the cause, immunosuppressive drugs might be used.
- Rest: Limiting physical activity allows the heart to rest and recover faster.
- Treating the Cause: If myocarditis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be used to treat the infection. For viral causes, treatment is often supportive, allowing the immune system to fight the infection.
- Advanced Therapies: In severe cases where the heart is significantly weakened, more intensive treatments may be necessary. These can include intravenous medications, devices like a ventricular assist device (VAD) to help the heart pump, or, in the most severe cases, a heart transplant is required.
Living with and Recovering from Myocarditis
Recovery from myocarditis varies from person to person. Many people recover completely with no side effects. For others, the condition can lead to chronic heart problems, like dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened.
Following a doctor’s guidance is crucial during recovery. This usually involves a gradual return to normal activities along with continuous monitoring to check heart function. A heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and managing stress, can support long-term heart health after a myocarditis diagnosis.
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms, especially after an illness, it is vital to seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome and help protect your heart health for the future. For any cardiovascular problems, call us on +1 718 367 2555. The Cardiologists at Doral Health & Wellness consistently have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings. The professionals at Doral Health & Wellness Cardiology Brooklyn can improve your health and quality of life because of their vast training and experience. New Yorkers can get the greatest medical, surgical, and cardiovascular care at Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
