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Alternative names Return to top
Inflammation - heart muscle; CardiomyopathyDefinition Return to top
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Myocarditis is an uncommon disorder caused by viral infections such as coxsackie virus, adenovirus, and echovirus. It may also occur during or after various viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections (such as polio, influenza, or rubella).
The condition may be caused by exposure to chemicals or allergic reactions to certain medications and it can be associated with autoimmune diseases.
The heart muscle becomes inflamed and weakened, causing symptoms of heart failure, which may mimic a heart attack.
Symptoms Return to top
Total absence of symptoms is common
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and tests Return to top
A physical examination may detect a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) or abnormal heart beats, abnormal heart sounds (murmurs, extra heart sounds), fluid in the lungs and fluid in the skin of the legs. In addition, other signs suggestive of an infection may be present: fever, rashes, red throat, itchy eyes, swollen joints.Treatment Return to top
Treatment includes evaluation and treatment of underlying cause. This may require use of antibiotics, reduced level of activity, and low-salt diet. Steroids and other medications may be used to reduce inflammation. Diuretics (medicine to promote removal of body water via the urine) are also given.
If the heart muscle is very weak, standard medicines to treat heart failure are also used. Abnormal heart rhythm may require the use of additional medications, a pacemaker or even a defibrillator. If a blood clot is present in the heart chamber, blood thinning medicine is given as well.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Myocarditis is very variable and the prognosis depends on the cause and the individual patient. Some may recover completely, while others may have permanent heart failure.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of myocarditis occur, especially after a recent infection.Prevention Return to top
Prompt treatment of causative disorders may reduce the risk of myocarditis. Update Date: 7/6/2004 Updated by: Seth Keller, M.D., Division of Cardiology and Electrophysiology at New York Hospital Center of Queens, Flushing, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |