Myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation)
About Myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation)
Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). The disease can be from an infection (usually viral) or from a complication of an underlying illness, injury, radiation therapy, or toxic reactions to drugs. Inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart can also occur (pericarditis). The severity of the disease can vary widely and the prognosis varies. Many people completely recover. Others have permanent heart damage and heart failure.Symptoms
Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fainting, fatigue, exercise intolerance. There may be no symptoms.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Initial testing includes blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram. Cardiac catheterization to look to rule out coronary artery disease may be performed, especially in people over age 40. In some cases, a heart muscle biopsy (endomyocardial biopsy) is recommended.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, D-Dimer, EKG, MRI, Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
If the cause of inflammation is diagnosed, treatment will be aimed at the underlying condition. Without a specific diagnosis, drug therapy will be used to treat heart failure and to help prevent the heart failure from getting worse. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) may require additional medications, a pacemaker, or an automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD). For more information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573Medical specialties
Cardiology · Pediatric Cardiology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation).