Myocarditis is the medical term for inflammation of the heart muscle. Myocarditis can result in cardiac arrhythmia or even cardiac arrest.
What are the causes of myocarditis, what are the symptoms and how can the disease be treated? We answer these questions below. Here you will also find selected doctors who treat myocarditis.
The development of myocarditis can have various causes. Sometimes, for example, it is triggered by certain viruses, fungi or bacteria. Common pathogens include:
Autoimmune diseases can also lead to myocarditis. In this case, the immune system turns against its own body and attacks the structure of the heart muscle, among other things.
Spread infections are a major source of danger. Athletes in particular often do not properly cure a cold or flu-like infection. As a result of this spread, the heart muscle can be damaged.
Myocarditis often progresses initially without complications. Symptoms either do not occur or are not interpreted correctly by the person affected.
In extreme cases, it can lead to severe symptoms or even be fatal. With this disease, it is not only the diagnosis that is important, but also an individual form of therapy.
The symptoms of myocarditis vary considerably. A distinction is made between acute and chronic myocarditis.
Acute myocarditis can lead to
can occur. Water retention, known as edema, is also one of the symptoms. Water then accumulates in the tissue.
Chronic myocarditis causes other symptoms. Signs may include
be. However, these symptoms also apply to other illnesses. Less dramatic illnesses, such as a mild infection, can also lead to aching limbs or general malaise.
Myocarditis can impair heart function © Henrie | AdobeStock
Targeted treatment of myocarditis requires a careful diagnosis.
Many sufferers do not notice any symptoms or they only occur sporadically and mildly. Therefore, myocarditis is not always easy to diagnose.
If myocarditis is suspected, the doctor will carry out several tests.
As a first step, the attending physician will ask the patient about any previous illnesses . Acute myocarditis in particular can sometimes be easily identified in this way. If the patient has recently suffered from
these can be the first important signs for the doctor.
The doctor will also carry out some standard examinations. They will measure your blood pressure and body temperature and listen to your heart and lungs. A blood test can also help with the diagnosis. If elevated inflammation levels are found here, these provide a further indication of a possible inflammation of the heart muscle.
Chronic myocarditis is much more difficult to diagnose.
If the disease takes a severe or even chronic course, a myocardial biopsy may also be indicated. This involves taking tissue from the heart muscle and examining it clinically.
However, other standard procedures are also part of the examinations. These include an ECG or an ultrasound examination of the heart. The latter can be carried out by a cardiologist who specializes in diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Any physical exertion can aggravate existing myocarditis and lead to further problems. Therefore, the top priority with myocarditis is to take it easy. Depending on the severity and course of the disease, this rest can even extend to absolute bed rest.
It is important that the disease is completely cured, as otherwise a relapse may occur.
Medication is also indicated as part of the treatment. If the patient has been prescribed strict bed rest, for example, the risk of thrombosis increases. Heparin is prescribed to minimize this risk. This is a blood thinner that the patient administers subcutaneously (under the skin) using a syringe.
Viral infections are responsible for a large proportion of heart muscle inflammations. The doctor can therefore also administer so-called interferons.
If bacterial infections are the cause, antibiotics can help, while antimyotics are indicated for fungal infections.
In addition, painkillers
may also be given.
Chronic myocarditis can be caused by an autoimmune disease, among other things. In this case, immunosuppressants that restrict the immune system can help.
As a rule, an inflammation of the heart muscle that is recognized in time and treated appropriately heals without consequences.
In individual cases, slight arrhythmias may remain, although these can also occur in healthy patients. If the disease has taken a very severe course, a transplant may be considered.
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