Mya Care, Health and Wellness Simplified
Procedure

Myocarditis Treatment- Cardiology

Myocarditis is a serious health condition affecting the heart muscle. This inflammatory disease has a global prevalence, impacting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Read on to learn about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and potential outcomes.

What Is Myocarditis?

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart, particularly the middle layer, which is known as the myocardium. (1) This inflammation can impair the heart's ability to function properly, potentially leading to reduced blood flow to vital organs. In severe cases, myocarditis can even be fatal. (1)

What Are the Causes of Myocarditis?

Various factors have been linked with myocarditis. However, in some cases, a specific cause cannot always be identified. (1, 2, 3)

Myocarditis can have infectious or non-infectious causes. (1, 2, 3)

Some of the causes of infective myocarditis are:

  • Viral infection
  • Bacterial infection
  • Fungal infection
  • Protozoan infection
  • Parasitic infection

Non-infective myocarditis can be caused by:

  • Underlying autoimmune disorders
  • Allergic reaction to drugs
  • Adverse drug reactions and toxins
  • Chemotherapy
  • Antipsychotics
  • Alcohol
  • Drug toxicity
  • Arsenic toxicity
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Snake venom
  • Heavy metal toxicity
  • Vaccination
  • Physical injuries
  • Electric shock

How Common Is Myocarditis?

Myocarditis is a prevalent condition globally, though its exact incidence remains elusive. This is due to the often silent nature of the disease and potential misdiagnosis. (1, 3)

The New England Journal of Medicine has linked myocarditis to a significant number of deaths in young adults, including athletes and military recruits. (1)

Also, myocarditis appears to be slightly more prevalent in men than in women. (1, 3) 

How Does Myocarditis Affect the Heart?

As previously mentioned, myocarditis results in inflammation of the cardiac muscle, which may be induced by a variety of factors. The subsequent damage occurs at a microscopic and cellular level and involves intricate processes. (1, 4)

Cardiac muscle damage and inflammation affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively all over the body.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Myocarditis?

Some people with myocarditis, especially early on, have no symptoms. Others can have mild to severe symptoms. (1, 5)

The symptoms of myocarditis can overlap with those of other cardiac conditions, emphasizing the need for a definitive diagnosis by a specialized healthcare professional.

Commonly seen symptoms of myocarditis are: (1, 3, 4, 5)

  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia
  • Shortness of breath when physically active or even at rest
  • Light-headedness or feeling like you might faint
  • Flu-like symptoms, including headache, body aches, fever, sore throat, and joint pain
  • Myocarditis symptoms can sometimes mimic a heart attack, involving chest pain radiating to the arm and jaw.

Seek immediate medical attention for unexplained chest pain and shortness of breath.

How Is Myocarditis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing myocarditis early during the progression of the disease can determine the outcome for a patient. It is of utmost importance that you visit the doctor if you have any suspected symptoms.

A healthcare provider will typically begin by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. A physical examination may also be conducted.

Further tests and imaging are also usually done. These include (1, 3, 4, 5)

  • Blood tests to look for enzymes denoting heart damage and the presence of other proteins and antibodies that signal infection.
  • An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to find out fluctuations in heart rhythms and other indications of heart abnormalities.
  • A chest X-ray that can show whether the heart is enlarged and whether there is any fluid surrounding the heart.
  • An MRI of the heart, which helps to identify minute changes in the muscles and structure of the heart.
  • An echocardiogram that uses sound waves to display an image and any structural abnormalities of the heart.
  • Cardiac catheterization and heart muscle biopsy (to obtain a small sample of heart tissue to be analyzed under a microscope). A cardiac muscle biopsy is considered the gold standard diagnostic test for myocarditis.

How Is Myocarditis Treated?

The treatment of myocarditis varies on a case-to-case basis. Depending on the situation, the treatment can involve medicines or surgical procedures.

The medications typically used are: (1, 3, 4, 5)

  • Corticosteroids. These medicines are used to suppress the immune system. They can be used to treat myocarditis with underlying autoimmune conditions.
  • Heart medications. If myocarditis progresses to severe heart failure or cardiac arrhythmias, medications may be prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots and regulate cardiac rhythm. Additionally, medications may be administered to alleviate fluid buildup in the body.
  • Medicine to treat underlying infections or immune disorders

The duration of drug-based treatment depends on the individual's response to therapy. In some cases, long-term medication may be needed, extending over several months.

Surgical interventions may be necessary in severe cases or if medications prove ineffective. These include:

  • Ventricular assist device (VAD).  A VAD is a mechanical device that supplements the heart's pumping function to help circulate blood throughout the body. It can be used as a treatment for a weakened heart or heart failure. Also, your doctor may recommend a VAD while awaiting other treatments, such as a heart transplant.
  • Intra-aortic balloon pumps. This device helps increase blood flow and lower the strain on the heart.
  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A procedure that provides temporary heart and lung support for critically ill patients, which allows the heart to rest while it recovers.
  • In severe cases of myocarditis, a heart transplant may be needed.

Can Myocarditis Be Fatal?

Usually, myocarditis goes away without permanent complications and after proper treatment. However, severe cases of myocarditis may result in irreversible damage to the cardiac muscle, potentially requiring heart transplantation. (1, 3, 5)

Complications of myocarditis may include: (1, 3, 5)

  • Heart failure
  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Rapid or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Sudden cardiac death
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart is dilated to the extent that it may fail.

Conclusion

Unlike traditional perceptions of heart disease as a condition primarily affecting older individuals or those with unhealthy lifestyles, myocarditis can happen to anyone, including young, healthy adults. The condition may present with a range of symptoms from mild to severe or may be asymptomatic in its initial stages. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential to mitigate the risk of potentially life-threatening complications.

References

 

Disclaimer: Please note that Mya Care does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is not intended to replace the care or advice of a qualified health care professional. The views expressed are personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Mya Care. Always consult your doctor for all diagnoses, treatments, and cures for any diseases or conditions, as well as before changing your health care regimen. Do not reproduce, copy, reformat, publish, distribute, upload, post, transmit, transfer in any manner or sell any of the materials on this page without the prior written permission from myacare.com.

View Doctors
View Healthcare Providers