Myocarditis

Overview

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). It can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood and may cause chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, and light-headedness. Myocarditis can be caused by viral infections, drug reactions, general inflammatory conditions, or other factors like bacteria, parasites, fungi, and certain medications. Treatment may include medications, procedures, or surgeries. Severe myocarditis can lead to complications such as heart failure, heart attack, or stroke.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of myocarditis include chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), fatigue, swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet, light-headedness, and flu-like symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, fever, or sore throat. In some cases, myocarditis symptoms can be similar to those of a heart attack. If you experience unexplained chest pain, rapid heartbeats, or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical help.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for developing myocarditis include:

1. Infections: Many viruses, such as those causing the common cold, COVID-19, hepatitis B and C, parvovirus, herpes simplex virus, and gastrointestinal infections, can cause myocarditis.
2. Certain bacteria: Bacteria like staphylococcus, streptococcus, and those causing diphtheria and Lyme disease can lead to myocarditis.
3. Parasites: Trypanosoma cruzi and toxoplasma are examples of parasites that can cause myocarditis. Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is more prevalent in Central and South America than in the United States.
4. Fungal infections: Yeast infections, molds like aspergillus, and histoplasma, often found in bird droppings, can cause myocarditis, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
5. Certain medications or illegal drugs: Drugs used to treat cancer, antibiotics like penicillin and sulfonamide drugs, some anti-seizure medications, and cocaine can cause drug-induced myocarditis.
6. Chemicals or radiation: Exposure to carbon monoxide and radiation can sometimes cause heart muscle inflammation.
7. Inflammatory diseases: Conditions like lupus, Wegener's granulomatosis, giant cell arteritis, and Takayasu's arteritis can cause myocarditis. Remember that myocarditis can also occur without a known cause.

Development

Myocarditis can develop due to a variety of causes, including infections, drugs, and other medical conditions. Viral infections are a common cause of myocarditis, with many different types of viruses being linked to the condition. Bacterial infections, parasites, fungal infections, and other substances such as chemicals or radiation can also cause myocarditis. In some cases, the cause of myocarditis may not be identified. The development of myocarditis depends on the underlying cause, and the severity of the inflammation can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to complications such as heart failure, heart attack, or stroke.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Diagnosis

To diagnose myocarditis, a health care provider will typically examine you and listen to your heart with a stethoscope. Blood and imaging tests may be done to check your heart health. Imaging tests can help confirm myocarditis and determine its severity. Tests to diagnose myocarditis include blood tests to check for signs of a heart attack, inflammation, and infection, as well as an echocardiogram, which can show the heart's size and how well blood flows through the heart and heart valves. A cardiac catheterization and heart muscle biopsy may also be done to check for inflammation or infection.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Potential complications of myocarditis may include heart failure, heart attack, or stroke. Untreated myocarditis can damage the heart muscle, leading to heart failure. Myocarditis-related heart failure may require a ventricular assist device or a heart transplant. If the heart muscle is injured and can't pump blood, blood clots can form, potentially causing a heart attack or stroke if the clot blocks an artery leading to the brain.

Home Remedies

It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of myocarditis.

Treatment

Treatment for myocarditis may include medications, procedures, or surgeries. Some medications that may be prescribed include beta-blockers, diuretics, and anticoagulants. Procedures and surgeries may include cardiac catheterization, coronary angioplasty, or heart transplantation, depending on the severity of the condition. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for myocarditis, you should:

1. Make a list of your symptoms, including their severity, duration, and any triggers.
2. Gather information about your medical history, including recent illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalizations.
3. Collect details about any medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products you're currently taking, including dosages.
4. Note any family members or close friends who have experienced similar symptoms or illnesses recently.
5. Prepare a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider, such as the most likely cause of your symptoms, recommended tests, treatment options, potential side effects, and how to manage other health conditions alongside myocarditis.
6. Consider bringing a family member or friend to the appointment for support and to help remember important information discussed during the visit. Remember to arrive on time for your appointment, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification or additional information if needed.