Myocarditis is a condition where the heart muscle is inflamed, which can lead to severe complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and even sudden cardiac death.

This disease is often silent and is commonly misdiagnosed as the flu due to its similar symptoms such as headaches, body aches, fever, and fatigue.

Most of the cases of myocarditis are caused by viral infections, and the disease can affect people of all ages. Unfortunately, the symptoms of myocarditis can be mild in some cases, and some people can even display no symptoms at all.

This silent nature of the disease makes the diagnosis and treatment of myocarditis challenging, making it crucial to identify the symptoms early on. Here are some of the symptoms of myocarditis.

Signs and Symptoms of Myocarditis

Chest Pain

One of the most common symptoms of myocarditis is chest pain. The pain may be mild in the beginning and then may become severe over time.

The pain is usually located in the center or left side of the chest and can spread to the shoulders, arms, neck or back.

Fatigue and Weakness

Myocarditis can cause fatigue and weakness, which may develop over a few days or weeks. You may feel sluggish or be unable to participate in your daily activities. People often describe themselves as lacking energy to carry out their usual routines.

Breathlessness

Myocarditis can cause shortness of breath that usually worsens with physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs. This may be accompanied by wheezing, coughing, or tightness in the chest, making breathing difficult.

Sudden Rapid Heart Rate or Irregular Heartbeats

Myocarditis can also cause rapid heart rates or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats). If your heart beats too quickly or too slowly, it can affect blood supply to your body and can cause severe complications.

Palpitations, skipped beats, and fluttering of the heart are also some common symptoms associated with myocarditis.

Fever and Flu-Like Symptoms

Myocarditis is often mistaken for the flu due to its symptoms that are similar to flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and chills. This is why many patients overlook the severity of their illness and do not seek medical attention.

Diagnosis of Myocarditis

Diagnosing myocarditis is tricky as the signs and symptoms are similar to other conditions such as the flu and other heart-related diseases such as angina and heart attack.

To diagnose myocarditis, your doctor will perform a physical examination to identify any specific symptoms and signs of the disease. They may also prescribe some tests such as electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, and blood tests to rule out other heart diseases.

In some cases, your doctor may perform an MRI scan or a biopsy from your heart to determine the extent of the inflammation. The biopsy usually involves taking a small tissue sample to examine the cause of inflammation.

Treatment of Myocarditis

The treatment of myocarditis depends on the severity of the disease and the underlying cause of the inflammation. In mild cases, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce the inflammation and the symptoms associated with it.

In more severe cases, the doctor may prescribe other medications such as heart medications to help control the heart rate and prevent further damage to the heart. Hospitalization may also be required for support and management of symptoms.

In extreme cases, a machine that performs the work of the heart (ventricular assist devices) may be implanted temporarily. This device helps the heart pump blood while the inflamed tissues have time to heal and recover.

Prevention of Myocarditis

There is no specific way to prevent myocarditis, but certain lifestyle changes and practices may help reduce the risk of contracting viral infections and other factors that can lead to myocarditis.

For example, reducing exposure to overcrowded places and people who are ill can help prevent the spread of viral infections.

Practicing good personal hygiene such as washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with sick people can also help prevent infections that can lead to myocarditis.

Other preventive measures include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, managing stress, and keeping up with regular medical checkups.

Conclusion

Myocarditis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can often go undetected due to its silent nature. Its symptoms are often mild and can be mistaken for flu-like symptoms, highlighting the need for awareness of this disease.

To prevent the severe complications associated with myocarditis, it is crucial to recognize its symptoms early on and seek medical attention.

You can reduce your risk of contracting viral infections and other factors that can cause myocarditis by practicing healthy habits and being mindful of your environment.