Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, which can occur as a complication during different types of infections in the body, causing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of air and mares.
Myocarditis usually occurs during a viral infection, such as influenza or chickenpox, but it can also occur when there is infection with bacteria or hormones, and in these cases the infection needs to be very advanced. Similarly, myocarditis can be caused by autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, the use of certain medications, and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, for example.
- Myocarditis usually heals and goes away when the infection stops; However.
- When the inflammation of the heart is very severe or does not go away.
- It may be necessary to remain hospitalized.
In mild cases, such as a cold or flu, for example, myocarditis does not cause any symptoms, however, in more severe cases, such as a bacterial infection, it can occur:
On the other hand, in children, other symptoms such as rapid breathing and weeding may even appear, in these cases it is recommended to immediately consult a pediatrician to assess the problem and initiate appropriate treatment.
However, myocarditis occurs during an infection, symptoms can be difficult to identify, and for this reason it is recommended to go to the hospital when symptoms last longer than 3 days, due to inflammation of the heart muscle, the heart is difficult to properly control. pump blood, which could lead to arrhythmias and heart failure, for example.
When myocarditis is suspected, the cardiologist may request the realization of outside sciences such as chest x-rays, electrocardiograms or echocardiograms to identify changes in heart function, these tests are of particular importance because symptoms can only be caused by an infection. of the body, although there is a change in the heart.
In addition, some laboratory tests are usually required to check heart function and the possibility of infection, such as VSG, PCR, leukogram and concentration of cardiac markers, such as CK-MB and troponin. Appreciate the tests that evaluate your heart.
Treatment is usually done at home with rest to avoid excess cardiac work, however, during this period there should also be adequate treatment for the infection that causes myocarditis and, for this reason, antibiotics, antifungals or antivirals may be needed.
In addition, if symptoms of myocarditis occur, inflammation affects heart function, the cardiologist may indicate the use of certain medications such as:
On the other hand, in the most severe cases where myocarditis causes many changes in heart function, it may be necessary to remain hospitalized to receive intravenous medications or place pacemaker-like devices, any help with heart function.
In some cases, as usual, where inflammation of the heart is life-threatening, an emergency heart transplant may even be necessary.
Myocarditis usually goes away without leaving sequelae, even if I don’t even have the person who has this problem in my heart.
However, when the inflammation of the heart is very severe, it can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle, resulting in diseases such as heart failure or high blood pressure, in these cases the cardiologist will recommend the use of certain medications that should be used. for certain months or throughout life, depending on gravity.
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