Myocarditis

This inflammation of the heart muscle makes it hard for your heart to pump properly. It can lead to serious problems.

Causes

Why does it happen? Well, it can be caused by an infection. It can be triggered by medication, or by illicit drug use. It can happen if you're exposed to chemicals or radiation. It can be linked to certain diseases. And in many cases, we just don't know the cause.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms? You may have chest pain. You may have an abnormal heartbeat. You may have shortness of breath. You may feel tired. Your feet, ankles and legs may swell. And, if your myocarditis is caused by an infection, you may have the typical signs of sickness. This includes things like fever, headache and joint pain.

Treatment

How do we treat it? Often, myocarditis heals on its own with rest and medications. But if your myocarditis is serious, that may not be enough. You may need to stay in a hospital, where we can use machines to help your heart function. A severely damaged heart may lead to a heart transplant. Your doctor will create a plan that's right for you.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.