﻿ Myocarditis: Get the Facts on Treatment and Symptoms


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What is myocarditis?

Myocarditis is inflammation of heart muscle.

What causes myocarditis?

Myocarditis can be caused by a variety of infections and conditions such as viruses, sarcoidosis, and immune diseases (such as systemic lupus, etc.), pregnancy, and others. The most common cause of myocarditis is infection of the heart muscle by a virus. The virus invades the heart muscle to cause local inflammation. After the initial infection subsides, the body's immune system continues to inflict inflammatory damage to the heart muscle. This immune response actually prolongs the myocarditis.

What are symptoms of myocarditis?

Myocarditis can be mild and cause virtually no noticeable symptoms. The most frequent symptom of myocarditis is pain in the chest. When myocarditis is more serious, it leads to weakening of the heart muscle. Myocarditis can then cause heart failure (with symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid accumulation in the lungs, etc.) as well as heart rhythm irregularities from inflammation and/or scarring of the electrical system of the heart.

How is myocarditis diagnosed?

Myocarditis is diagnosed by detecting signs of irritation of heart muscle. Blood tests for heart muscle enzymes (CPK levels) can be elevated. Electrical testing (EKG) can suggest irritation of heart muscle and demonstrate irregular beating of the heart. Nuclear heart scan testing can show irregular areas of heart muscle.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 5/14/2015

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