Myocarditis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

When the heart becomes infected and inflamed, the condition is known as myocarditis. This is a form of cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle which usually leads to a decline in the heart's pumping power.

Causes

In the U.S., the most common cause of myocarditis is an infection with the coxsackie B virus. South of the border, the usual culprit is a germ called Trypanosoma cruzi.

Signs/Symptoms

Symptoms may be mild at first; they include those typical of a weakened heart. You're likely to have fever, vague chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, and fluid retention.

Care

Treatment usually consists of drug therapy to regulate your heart. You'll be encouraged to get plenty of sleep, and to avoid stress as much as possible. If the heart's output is severely affected, you may have to be hospitalized.

Risks

Adults and older children can usually expect a complete recovery. If the disease strikes a newborn, however, it sometimes proves fatal.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Avoid strenuous exercise until your cardiac output returns to normal.
• Carefully follow your doctor's orders regarding medications, activity, and follow-up appointments.
• Get plenty of bed rest with the head of the bed upright to decrease the workload on your heart.
• Once you've recovered, start exercising daily. Regular exercise strengthens the heart and lowers blood pressure.
• To give your heart the best chance possible, stick to a balanced diet low in fat, salt, and cholesterol
• Spare your heart extra work by maintaining a healthy weight.
• Get at least seven hours of sleep each night and nap during the day if you feel tired.
• If you smoke, this is an ideal time to quit. If you have trouble quitting, ask your doctor for help.
• For more information, contact the American Heart Association at 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) or 214-373-6300 or visit their website at www.americanheart.org.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations.

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

What to Expect While You're There

You may experience the following procedures and equipment during your stay.

• Chest X-ray: This snapshot of the heart and lungs will help the doctor assess the situation.
• Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration. A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm. These tests may be performed hourly.
• IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medications, such as antibiotics to fight infection and liquids to replace lost fluids. It will either be capped or have tubing connected to it.
• Electrocardiogram: Also known as an ECG, EKG, or heart monitor, this device will be hooked up to your chest with a set of leads, or electrodes. It shows a tracing of each heartbeat on a small TV-like screen or strip of paper.
• Echocardiogram: Also called an ECHO, this device uses sound waves to build a picture of the heart.
• Medicine:
  • Antiarrhythmic drugs: To regulate the rhythm of your heart.
  • Analgesics: To relieve pain.
  • Diuretics: To relieve fluid buildup due to poor circulation.
  • Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids: To relieve inflammation in the heart muscle.

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