Below, you’ll find must-know information about myocarditis.
Myocarditis is a serious health condition where Inflammation of the heart results from many different causes, including infection with certain bacteria. Some autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, can result in myocarditis as well.
An immune response to an infection results in the body sending more blood to the area, which in turn causes inflammation. Inflammation also results in a thickening of the heart’s muscles, which leads to a swollen heart.
Myocarditis has symptoms that may be similar to a heart attack. Chest pain and shortness of breath are common symptoms.
The patient is also most likely susceptible to blood clots in the heart area, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
If myocarditis is left untreated, it can be fatal. Death is a real possibility once the patient’s health worsens after diagnosis and stops responding to treatment. In a worst-case scenario, it can manifest as sudden death.
While myocarditis is rare, it can be severe and cause permanent damage to the heart. The inflammation can cause scarring of the heart muscle, which interferes with its function.
This scarring can also increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms and other serious complications such as cardiomyopathy and pericarditis. Unfortunately, once the heart is scarred, there is no way of getting it back to normal. The heart cannot heal itself once it’s damaged.
Myocarditis is manifested by certain symptoms. Knowing what these symptoms are could prevent the worsening of the condition.
Below are various critical myocarditis symptoms and signs you should know about.
9. Chest Pain
Chest pain is a common symptom of myocarditis. This is caused by the inflammation of the myocardium which is the heart tissue. The chest pain may radiate to the neck, back, or shoulders and be dull or acute.
Mild to severe pain can be experienced. Movement in the chest, such as coughing, breathing, or swallowing food, frequently makes pericarditis-related chest pain worse.
8. Palpitations
Palpitations, rapid heartbeat, or arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) are also symptoms of myocarditis. These are caused by the electrical problems of the heart brought about by inflammation.
As a result of damage to the heart’s electrical system and muscle cells, myocarditis can cause arrhythmias and other issues with the heart’s ability to pump blood.
7. Shortness Of Breath
Patients with myocarditis often experience shortness of breath. Since the inflammation affects both the muscle cells and the electrical system of the heart, the patient’s breathing is affected.
The heart is not able to function well. it cannot pump blood properly. In severe cases, it can become very weak to supply enough blood throughout the body.
6. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of myocarditis. The inflammation of the heart causes the patient to experience fatigue. The heart is not able to function properly and has to work overtime to pump blood.
This takes a toll on the patient. Hence, the patient experiences fatigue. In severe cases, the heart weakens, which in turn can affect the patient’s overall health condition.
5. Flu-Like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms in myocarditis are caused by a viral infection. During the course of an infection, inflammation takes place, placing stress on the heart that lasts even after the infection has been treated.
Examples of flu-like symptoms are body aches, headache, fever, sore throat, and joint pain. The fever can last for about two weeks. In severe cases, the patient can experience heart failure symptoms soon after the onset of fever.
4. Swelling Of Legs Or Arms
Swelling of legs or arms is a manifestation of myocarditis. Myocarditis can cause the heart to pump less effectively, leading to a buildup of fluid in the legs, arms, and other parts of the body.
Peripheral edema occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the tissues, causing them to become swollen. In myocarditis, the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively is impaired, which can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lower extremities.
This swelling can be painful and may also cause the skin to feel tight and stretched.
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