Understanding myocarditis: Causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Written in association with: Dr Gosia Wamil
Published:
Edited by: Carlota Pano

Myocarditis is a medical condition where the heart muscle (myocardium) becomes inflamed. This inflammation can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to various health issues. Understanding the causes, how it is diagnosed, and the available treatments can help manage and prevent complications from myocarditis. Dr Gosia Wamil, renowned consultant cardiologist, explains more.

 

 

What causes myocarditis?

 

Myocarditis can be caused by several factors, including:

  1. Viral infections: The most common cause of myocarditis is a viral infection. Viruses like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19 can trigger inflammation in the heart muscle.
  2. Bacterial infections: Less commonly, bacteria such as staphylococcus or streptococcus can cause myocarditis.
  3. Parasites and fungi: In rare cases, parasites and fungi can also lead to myocarditis.
  4. Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks healthy tissue, can cause myocarditis.
  5. Medications and drugs: Certain medications, including some cancer drugs, and illegal drugs like cocaine can cause inflammation in the heart.
  6. Environmental toxins: Exposure to toxins like carbon monoxide can damage the heart muscle.

 

Symptoms of myocarditis

 

The symptoms of myocarditis can vary widely. Some people might not show any symptoms, whereas others may experience:

 

Diagnosing myocarditis

 

If myocarditis is suspected, a doctor will perform a thorough evaluation, which may include:

  1. Physical exam: The doctor will listen to the heart and lungs, check for signs of fluid retention, and ask about any symptoms and medical history.
  2. Blood tests: Blood tests can detect signs of infection, inflammation, or markers indicating heart damage.
  3. Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG test records the electrical activity of the heart and can reveal abnormal rhythms or heart muscle damage.
  4. Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that shows its size, shape, and function, helping detect areas of poor blood flow or damage.
  5. Cardiac MRI: A cardiac MRI is an imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the heart, helping identify inflammation or other abnormalities.
  6. Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can show the heart's size and identify any fluid build-up in the lungs.
  7. Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of heart tissue may be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

 

Treatment options

 

Myocarditis treatment aims to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and address the root cause of the condition. Options may vary depending on the severity and could include:

 

Medications

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs: To reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Antiviral or antibacterial drugs: If an infection is the cause.
  • Heart medications: To manage heart failure symptoms and improve heart function. Examples include beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors.

 

Lifestyle changes

  • Rest: Reducing physical activity to lessen the strain on the heart.
  • Diet: Eating a heart-healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats.
  • Avoiding alcohol and smoking: These can exacerbate heart problems.

 

Medical procedures

  • Intravenous (IV) medications: For severe cases where oral medications are not sufficient.
  • Mechanical support devices: In extreme cases, devices like a ventricular assist device may be used to help the heart pump blood.

 

Follow-up care

Regular check-ups with a cardiologist to monitor heart function and adjust treatments as needed.

 

Myocarditis is a serious condition that necessitates immediate medical attention. Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms, and knowing the available diagnostic and treatment options can help manage this condition effectively. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of myocarditis, seek medical advice to ensure proper care and prevent complications. With timely intervention, many people with myocarditis can recover and lead healthy lives.

 

 

To book an appointment with Dr Gosia Wamil, head on over to her Top Doctors profile today.

By Dr Gosia Wamil
Cardiology

Dr Malgorzata (Gosia) Wamil, PhD is an Oxford-trained, internationally recognised consultant cardiologist. She practices at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London and the Manor Hospital in Oxford. Her clinical specialities are heart failure and the precise application of non-invasive cardiac imaging techniques, including cardiovascular MRIcardiac CT, and advanced echocardiography (trans-oesophageal echocardiography, bubble echocardiography, contrast echocardiography, 3D echocardiography, and stress echo).
 
Dr Wamil’s extensive expertise has been honed through years of dedicated practice and specialized training, with patients frequently asking her for a second opinion. Dr Wamil pursued comprehensive cardiology training at the Oxford University Hospitals between 2008 and 2017. This rigorous program encompassed fellowships in cardiovascular medicine, advanced cardiac imaging, heart failure and cardiomyopathies. During this period, Dr. Wamil earned internationally recognised accreditations in echocardiography, cardiac CT, and cardiac magnetic resonance, showcasing her commitment to excellence. She has received multiple awards for her academic excellence, including fellowships and grants from esteemed organizations like the British Heart Foundation, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and the European Society of Cardiology.
 
Acknowledged for her academic excellence, Dr. Wamil has been honoured with multiple awards, fellowships, and grants from esteemed organizations such as the British Heart Foundation, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, and the European Society of Cardiology. Her research journey spans the spectrum, from fundamental science and drug development (MSc and PhD in Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh 2005-2008), to pioneering proof-of-concept studies employing imaging techniques (British Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Oxford 2016-2017) and randomized clinical trials (MSc in Clinical Trials, University of Oxford 2022-2024).

Dr. Wamil is known for her cardiac MRI, CT, and advanced echocardiography expertise and is often able to combine them in ways that are transformational in the treatment of complex cardiovascular cases. Actively participating in the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, she holds a distinguished role as a member of the prestigious Leaders of Tomorrow Programme. This involvement allows her to be pivotal in organizing international teaching courses and setting standards for operating cardiac imaging departments across Europe. Her dedication to education extends to imparting knowledge and expertise to aspiring medical students and junior doctors through diverse teaching platforms and programs. 
 
In her clinical practice, Dr. Wamil excels with a uniquely effective human-centric and holistic approach to medicine with patients. Her expertise, however, extends well beyond the hands-on practice.
 
She holds the esteemed position of Honorary Senior Researcher Fellow in the Deep Medicine Department at the University of Oxford, actively contributing to ground-breaking research. As a Diabetes Pharma Committee Member at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), she co-authored national guidelines for managing heart disease in people with diabetes. In recognition of Dr. Wamil's scientific contribution, she holds the title of Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology and is a member of several medical organisations such as the Royal College of Physicians, British Society of Echocardiography, and European Society of Cardiovascular Imaging and the European Heart Association.
 
 

View Profile

Overall assessment of their patients


  • Related procedures
  • Heart attack
    Arrhythmia
    Hypertension (high blood pressure)
    Pericarditis
    Heart failure
    Injury valves
    Heart murmur
    Echocardiogram
    Electrocardiogram
    Ambulatory electrocardiogram (Holter)
    This website uses our own and third-party Cookies to compile information with the aim of improving our services, to show you advertising related to your preferences as well analysing your browsing habits. You can change your settings HERE.