WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is myocarditis? Myocarditis is an inflammation of the muscle of your heart (myocardium). The myocardium pumps blood through the heart and to other parts of the body. With myocarditis, the heart muscle can become damaged. This weakens the heart and makes it work harder. Over time, this may cause your heart to enlarge, lead to heart failure, and become life-threatening. What increases the risk for myocarditis? - Viral, bacterial, fungal, or other infections
- Alcohol or illegal drugs
- Autoimmune conditions such as diabetes mellitus, lupus (SLE), or sarcoidosis
- Medicines such as antibiotics, vaccines, or antidepressants
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Toxins, such as arsenic, lithium, or lead
- Snake bites or insect stings
What are the signs and symptoms of myocarditis? - Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
How is myocarditis diagnosed? - Blood tests will show if you have damage to the heart muscle and find the cause of myocarditis.
- An EKG test records your heart rhythm and how fast your heart beats. It is used to check for an abnormal heart rhythm or damage to your heart.
- A chest x-ray shows the size of your heart. It may also show if you have fluid around your heart or lungs.
- An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound. It shows the structure, movement, and valves and blood vessels of your heart.
- An MRI takes pictures of your heart to show its size and check for any inflammation. You may be given dye to help the pictures show up better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- Nuclear imaging uses a radioactive dye injected into a blood vessel to show how your heart is working. The dye helps your healthcare provider see the pictures of your heart and blood vessels better. It may also show if you have inflammation or cause of myocarditis.
- Cardiac catheterization is a procedure to find the cause of and treat a heart condition. A thin, flexible tube is inserted into a vein in your arm, neck, or groin and is moved into your heart. Contrast dye may used so the pictures show up better on a monitor.
- A biopsy is a small sample of your heart muscle that is sent to a lab for tests.
How is myocarditis treated? - Medicines may be given to lower your blood pressure, and strengthen or regulate your heart rate. You may also need medicine to decrease pain or excess fluid in your body. Medicine may also help to treat an infection or prevent your immune system from attacking your heart.
- A heart device may be placed in your chest. It can help your heart beat and control your heart rate.
- A heart transplant may be needed in rare cases if your condition is severe.
How can I manage my symptoms? - Limit physical activity. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you rest until your symptoms decrease. He may suggest that you avoid heavy lifting or certain physical activities. Ask what activities are safe for you, when to begin exercise, and the best exercise plan for you.
- Eat heart-healthy foods. Eat foods that help protect the heart, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts, and sources of fiber. Eat foods that contain healthy fats, such as walnuts, salmon, and canola and soybean oils. You may need to eat foods low in cholesterol or sodium (salt). You also may be told to limit saturated and trans fats.
- Limit alcohol. Women should limit alcohol to 1 drink a day. Men should limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
- Do not smoke. If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you need help quitting.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911? - You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest that lasts longer than 5 minutes or returns
- Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat, especially with chest pain or trouble breathing
- Your signs and symptoms come back or get worse.
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