Myocarditis: How is it detected and treated?

Did you know there are approximately 7.6 million people living with circulatory diseases in the UK alone? Myocarditis is one of these conditions. 

Here, Dr Oliver Guttmann, highly experienced consultant cardiologist who specialises in treating myocarditis, provides an expert insight into the symptoms and how the condition is treated.

What is myocarditis?

Myocarditis, meaning inflammation of the heart, is a circulatory condition. It can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood and can cause abnormal heart rhythms.
 

While most people who have myocarditis usually recover without any complications, in some cases, myocarditis can be severe and lead to damage to the heart.

Who does myocarditis affect?

Myocarditis can affect anyone, at any age. It can often occur in people with no history of other illnesses. People who have myocarditis usually develop symptoms one to two weeks after the initial viral illness.
 

What are the main symptoms of myocarditis?

Symptoms of myocarditis include:

• chest pain
• chest tightness
• shortness of breath
• palpitations
• flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, fatigue, and tiredness
   

What causes myocarditis?

Myocarditis is most commonly caused by:

• A virus (including coronavirus), fungus, or bacteria
• An autoimmune disease (when a person’s own immune system attacks their body)
• Sometimes, the cause is unknown
   

How is myocarditis usually diagnosed?

The condition is usually detected through some common tests including:

• Physical exam and medical history
• Blood test
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram (ECHO)
• Cardiac MRI
   

Other diagnostic tests may include:

• PET (positron emission tomography) scan
• In some cases, an endomyocardial biopsy is done
   

What treatment options are recommended?

Treatment usually depends on what symptoms the person has, and what the cause of the condition is. This often involves close monitoring, treatment for heart failure and medication, including anti-inflammatory medicines. Sometimes, drugs are used to suppress the immune system.
 

How does COVID-19 impact the heart?

Many patients present with chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations following a coronavirus infection. Damage to the heart can occur in up 40 per cent of cases. This includes damage to the heart by infection of the heart muscle but also heart attacks caused by blood clots.

For more information regarding myocarditis, don't hesitate to get in contact with leading consultant cardiologist, Dr Oliver Guttmann, via his Top Doctors profile today.