Myocarditis awareness

Overview

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. It can make the heart weaker and affect how well it pumps blood. It is often caused by a viral infection.

Myocarditis is not very common. It affects about 10 to 20 people per 100,000 each year.

It can affect people of any age, but it is most common in young to middle-aged adults. Men are slightly more likely to get it than women.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is pounding or skipping a beat)
• Swelling in the legs or feet

Symptoms in children

• Feeling very tired
• Rapid breathing
• Poor appetite
• Fever

Symptoms in older adults

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Fainting

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections (such as flu, COVID-19, or common cold viruses)
• Bacterial infections
• Certain autoimmune diseases
• Reaction to some medications or toxins

Risk factors

• Being a young to middle-aged adult
• Having a weakened immune system
• Recent viral illness
• Alcohol or drug misuse

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• New chest pain that is not severe but concerns you
• Unexplained rapid heartbeat
• Feeling like you might faint

Book a routine appointment if:

• Ongoing fatigue
• Mild chest discomfort that does not go away after a few days
• Swelling in your legs that does not improve

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose myocarditis by reviewing your symptoms, doing a physical exam, and running tests.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to look for signs of inflammation or heart damage
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart's electrical activity
• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to see how well the heart is pumping
• Cardiac MRI to get detailed images of the heart muscle
• Sometimes a heart biopsy (taking a tiny sample of heart muscle) is needed

What to expect at your appointment

You will likely be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist). The tests are painless, although a biopsy may require a hospital stay.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe the myocarditis is. The main goal is to support your heart while the inflammation goes down, and to treat any underlying cause.

Self-care at home

• Rest – avoid exercise or strenuous activity until your doctor says it is safe
• Avoid alcohol
• Manage stress
• Stay hydrated

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medicines to help your heart pump better, to control inflammation, or to treat an infection. They might also use medications to manage heart rhythm problems. In some cases, temporary support devices may be used. Always follow your doctor's advice – never stop or change medications without talking to them.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. In severe cases, if the heart is very weak, a device like a ventricular assist device might be considered, or in very rare cases, a heart transplant.

Living with this condition

Living with myocarditis means taking it easy while your heart heals. Most people need to avoid sports and heavy lifting for several months. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to return to normal activities.

Lifestyle tips

• Get plenty of rest
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques
• Avoid heavy physical activity until cleared by your doctor

Diet and exercise

Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit salt to reduce fluid buildup. Exercise should be light and only when your doctor says it is safe – start with walking and gradually increase.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having heart inflammation can be scary and stressful. It is normal to feel anxious or worried. Talk to your doctor or a counselor if you need support. Remember that most people recover fully.

Prevention

Not all cases can be prevented, but you can lower your risk by getting vaccinated against viruses that can cause myocarditis (like flu and COVID-19), washing your hands often, and avoiding infections.

Vaccines

Vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses can help prevent infections that might lead to myocarditis. Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccines.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for myocarditis in healthy people. If you have symptoms or risk factors, your doctor may check your heart.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heart failure (the heart cannot pump enough blood)
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• Cardiomyopathy (long-term damage to the heart muscle)
• Sudden cardiac arrest (rare)

Long-term outlook

Outlook is generally good. Most people with mild myocarditis recover fully with rest and treatment. Even those with more severe cases often improve over time, though some may need ongoing care. With proper medical follow-up, many people resume normal lives.

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