You can see your primary doctor for an initial exam, and they’ll most likely refer you to a cardiologist if they find signs of a heart problem. If they determine your condition is urgent, they’ll instruct you to go to the emergency room. Call emergency services if you can’t breathe or experience severe chest pain with pain or tingling in your arms, neck, or jaw. Myocarditis is more likely if you’ve had an infection such as the flu or if you have an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If your doctor has the necessary equipment in their office, you might undergo these screenings and get results the day of your initial visit. If not, they might have you schedule appointments with another facility. If your condition is urgent, they’ll advise you visit the emergency room. Your doctor might also order other imaging tests, such as a cardiac MRI, which can show the size, shape, and structure of your heart. An MRI can reveal signs of inflammation in the heart muscle. An echocardiogram is a graph of the sound waves produced by your heartbeat. An ECG can reveal heart valve problems, pumping irregularities, or other issues, such as clots or excessive fluid in the heart.
The most common cause of myocarditis is a viral infection. An autoimmune response is when the body attacks itself in order to fight an infection or because of an autoimmune disorder.
This type of biopsy can help establish an accurate diagnosis, which is required to avoid administering potentially dangerous treatments. For example, steroids are used to treat autoimmune responses, but they weaken the immune system. This could be dangerous if you have a viral infection. An endomyocardial biopsy is performed at a hospital. You’ll receive a sedative and local anesthetic, but you need to be awake during the procedure. You might experience some pressure and discomfort at the incision site. [7] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
You’ll likely inject your medication every other day. Use any medication according to your doctor’s instructions. You might need to continue antiviral treatments for up to 6 months. Common side effects include flu-like symptoms, muscle tightness, and weakness. Seek medical attention if you experience serious side effects, such as bruising or discoloration at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, confusion, trouble speaking, swelling, increased aggression, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. [9] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
If you stop taking antibiotics prematurely, the infection could return or worsen. You might also receive antibiotics intravenously (IV).
Common side effects include upset stomach, vomiting, headache, dizziness, restlessness, acne, and insomnia. Seek medical attention if you experience a rash, swelling, vision problems, or muscle weakness. These medications are immunosuppressants, which means they can interfere with your body’s ability to fight an infection. In cases of myocarditis related to viral infection, using an immunosuppressant without first controlling the infection can be fatal. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Avoid contact with sick people, wash your hands frequently, and don’t get any vaccines while taking an immunosuppressant. Call your doctor if you experience signs of an illness, such as coughing or sneezing, or suffer an injury. [13] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Many people who experience myocarditis take an ACE inhibitor or other heart medication for at least 3 months. You might need to continue taking an ACE inhibitor indefinitely if your heart sustained irreversible damage. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Side effects may include dizziness, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, numbness, and joint pain. Call your doctor if you experience these side effects, and seek emergency care if you experience swelling of the tongue or lips.
There are a variety of drugs used to treat arrhythmia, or an abnormal heart rhythm. Your doctor will prescribe a specific drug, dosage amount, and schedule for your needs. Take your medication as instructed, and don’t stop taking it without consulting your doctor. You might also be prescribed a beta blocker, which lowers blood pressure, slows the heart’s rhythm, and is sometimes used to manage an irregular heartbeat. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Antiarrhythmic drugs and beta blockers can cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, and cold hands and feet.
Avoid taking a diuretic right before going to bed, or you will need to get up repeatedly during the night to urinate. If you need to take a dose late in the day, try to take it in the early evening. Side effects may include increased urination, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and headache. Your doctor will tell you to reduce your salt intake. If you are taking a potassium sparing diuretic, you will also need avoid potassium-rich foods such as potatoes, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, nuts, dried beans, peas, spinach, bananas, prunes, raisins, oranges, and orange juice. [19] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Machines that pump or oxygenate blood are used until the heart recovers or until a new heart becomes available for transplantation.
The amount of time depends on the severity of your condition.
Foods to avoid include processed meats (such as bacon or deli meats), chips, fries, pastries, ice cream, and sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks. Processed foods tend to be high in sodium, calories, and refined sugars. Try to limit your intake of red meat, as well. [23] X Expert Source Shervin Eshaghian, MDBoard Certified Cardiologist Expert Interview. 26 June 2020. When you cook, use herbs and citrus instead of salt, and don’t add extra salt when you eat your meals. Try special salt-free spice blends, such as Mrs. Dash, to add flavor to your meals.
You should also quit using any other tobacco products, as well. [25] X Expert Source Shervin Eshaghian, MDBoard Certified Cardiologist Expert Interview. 26 June 2020. Your doctor may tell you to stop drinking while your heart recovers or indefinitely if you’ve sustained permanent heart damage. At a minimum, you should drink no more than the recommended amounts, which are 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. [26] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
See your doctor for routine check-ups and call them if you experience new or worsening side effects, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
