en.wikipedia.org
Myocarditis, also known as
inflammatory cardiomyopathy, is
inflammation of the
heart muscle. Symptoms can include
shortness of breath,
chest pain, decreased ability to exercise, and an
irregular heartbeat.
[1] The duration of problems can vary from hours to months. Complications may include
heart failure due to
dilated cardiomyopathy or
cardiac arrest.
[1]
Myocarditis is most often due to a
viral infection.
[1] Other causes include
bacterial infections, certain medications, toxins, and
autoimmune disorders.
[1][2] A diagnosis may be supported by an
electrocardiogram (ECG), increased
troponin,
heart MRI, and occasionally a heart
biopsy.
[1][2] An
ultrasound of the heart is important to rule out other potential causes such as
heart valve problems.
[2]
Treatment depends on both the severity and the cause.
[1][2] Medications such as
ACE inhibitors,
beta blockers, and
diuretics are often used.
[1][2] A period of no exercise is typically recommended during recovery.
[1][2] Corticosteroids or
intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be useful in certain cases.
[1][2] In severe cases an
implantable cardiac defibrillator or
heart transplant may be recommended.
[1][2]
In 2013, about 1.5 million cases of acute myocarditis occurred.
[6] While people of all ages are affected, the young are most often affected.
[7] It is slightly more common in males than females.
[1] Most cases are mild.
[2] In 2015
cardiomyopathy, including myocarditis, resulted in 354,000 deaths up from 294,000 in 1990.
[8][5] The initial descriptions of the condition are from the mid-1800s.
[9]