Contents
What is myocarditis
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). It is usually caused by a viral infection, but the illness may be the result of a reaction to a drug or part of a more general inflammatory process. It can occur at any age.
Severe myocarditis weakens the heart, resulting in less blood circulation throughout the body. In addition, clots can form in the heart, leading to a stroke or heart attack. It can also cause arrhythmias.
Causes of myocarditis in adults
There are quite a few possible causes of myocarditis:
Viruses. Myocarditis can provoke:
Parasites. These include Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma, including some that are transmitted by insects and can cause a condition called Chagas disease. This disease is common in Central and South America. In Russia, it is a rare occurrence, but it can affect travelers and immigrants.
Mushrooms. Yeast infections (Candida, molds (Aspergillus) and other fungi such as histoplasma often found in bird droppings.
Medications or illegal drugs. They can cause an allergic or toxic reaction. These include cancer drugs, antibiotics (penicillin and sulfonamides), some anticonvulsants, and cocaine.
chemicals or radiation. Carbon monoxide and radiation can also cause myocarditis.
Other diseases. These include lupus, Wegener’s granulomatosis, giant cell arteritis, and Takayasu’s arteritis.
Symptoms of myocarditis in adults
If a person has mild or early myocarditis, symptoms may be absent or mild. In severe cases, the signs of myocarditis vary depending on the cause of the disease.
Typical symptoms include:
- sharp, stabbing pain or pressure in the chest that may radiate to the neck and shoulders
- fast or abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia);
- shortness of breath at rest or during physical activity;
- fluid retention with swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet;
- fatigue;
- dizziness.
In addition, classic symptoms of inflammation can be added to them:
- heat;
- muscle pain;
- joint pain;
- sore throat;
- headache;
- diarrhea;
- a small amount of urine.
Treatment of myocarditis in adults
If you have any of the above symptoms, see your doctor. If they are serious, for example, heart pain, shortness of breath, call an ambulance.
Diagnostics
The sooner a doctor detects myocarditis, the less likely the heart will be seriously damaged.
For the diagnosis of myocarditis is usually used:
- ECG – it will determine abnormal heart rhythms;
- chest x-ray – will show the size and shape of the heart, as well as the presence of fluid in or around the heart, which may indicate heart failure;
- MRI – will give an idea of the size, shape and structure of the heart, as well as show signs of inflammation of the heart muscle;
- echocardiogram – this will reveal an enlarged heart, poor pumping ability, problems with valves, a blood clot or fluid around the heart;
- blood tests – will show the number of white blood cells and red blood cells, the levels of certain enzymes that indicate damage to the heart muscle, and will help detect antibodies to viruses and other organisms that may indicate an infection associated with myocarditis.
In some cases, a heart biopsy may be needed to determine the cause of myocarditis.
Modern treatments
Often goes away on its own. For example, if the disease is caused by a virus. Yes, there are antiviral drugs, but they have not been proven effective in treating most cases of myocarditis. In this case, it is usually recommended to avoid physical activity and sports for 3 to 6 months.
Some rare types of viral myocarditis, such as giant cell myocarditis and eosinophilic myocarditis, respond to corticosteroids or other drugs to suppress the immune system – then they are prescribed.
In cases caused by chronic diseases, such as lupus, treatment is directed at the underlying disease.
If myocarditis causes heart failure or arrhythmia, the doctor may hospitalize the patient and then the treatment will be aimed at eliminating severe symptoms and complications.
Prevention of myocarditis in adults at home
There is no specific prevention of myocarditis. But it’s always wise to take steps to prevent infections:
- stay away from people who have a viral illness until they are cured;
- observe the rules of hygiene – wash your hands regularly;
- avoid contact with ticks – in warm seasons in infested areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, use tick and insect repellants containing DEET;
- make vaccines, including those that protect against rubella and influenza – these diseases can cause myocarditis.
Popular questions and answers
Answered questions about myocarditis general practitioner, cardiologist, endocrinologist Alexey Zhito.
Some complications of myocarditis can be chronic: pericarditis, ventricular extrasystole, chronic heart or respiratory failure.
Myocarditis in rheumatic diseases can be in a state of stabilization also with the timely appointment of appropriate therapy.
The examination process for mild forms of the disease can be carried out on an outpatient basis (without hospitalization of the patient), however, if the condition worsens, hospitalization is necessary.
Symptoms that require immediate medical attention:
● prolonged elevated body temperature;
● uncontrolled tachycardia (rapid pulse);
● shortness of breath;
● sensation of arrhythmia;
● pronounced edematous syndrome (accumulation of fluid in the lower extremities and in the abdomen); a pronounced decrease in blood pressure (below 100/70 mm Hg);
● uncontrolled hypertension (usually above 150/90 mmHg);
● decrease in the volume of daily urination (high risk of involvement in the pathological process of the kidneys).
You should immediately call an ambulance in case of loss of consciousness.
At the same time, preventive measures – quitting smoking, limiting fatty foods and enriching the diet with fruits and vegetables, reducing salt intake, as a rule, can have a positive effect on the course of myocarditis. However, this also depends, first of all, on the cause that caused myocarditis. You can discuss this issue in more detail with your doctor.