Myocarditis
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. It may occur after an infection, such as diphtheria, rheumatic fever, or tuberculosis. It may also happen with other damage to the heart from toxins, certain drugs, or an autoimmune disease.
The inflammation is part of an immune system response. The body's natural defense system attacks the heart. This can cause serious heart problems, such as dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. With these problems, the heart can't pump blood as well as it should.
Myocarditis should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of myocarditis?
\n\tYou may be short of breath. Or you may have chest pain, feel tired, or have palpitations (the feeling that your heart is beating fast or not in the usual way). Some people don't have any symptoms. Your doctor may find signs of myocarditis while doing other tests on your heart.
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Diagnosis
How is myocarditis diagnosed?
\n\tYour doctor will give you some tests if you have symptoms of myocarditis. You may get an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). You may also get other imaging tests like an echocardiogram or MRI. You may get lab tests. Blood tests might be done to check for heart muscle injury or for an infection.\n\t\t
\n\t\tYou may also need a biopsy in some cases. A biopsy (sample of heart tissue) can confirm if you have myocarditis. And it may help the doctor find the cause.
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Treatment
How is myocarditis treated?
\n\tTreatment for myocarditis includes finding and treating the cause. If you are having other serious heart problems, your doctor will treat those at the same time. You may need to take medicine for your heart.\n\t\t
\n\t\tIf a bacterial infection is the cause, you may need to take antibiotics. Lifestyle changes such as getting more rest, reducing salt in your diet, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking may be part of the treatment.\n\t\t
\n\t\tMany people recover completely from myocarditis. But some people may need more treatment.
\n\tCopyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
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