What is myocarditis?
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, a layer of muscle in the middle of your heart’s wall. It is a rare but serious disorder often caused by an infection. It can weaken your heart and its electrical system, affecting its ability to pump blood around your body.
Myocarditis can affect people of all ages but is most common in children and young adults. It can be caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection, as well as some medications and autoimmune conditions. Some cases are mild and resolve on their own. But it can also develop into a more severe or chronic condition and cause serious complications, including heart failure and arrhythmia.
Types of myocarditis
Viral infections are the most common cause of myocarditis, but it can also be caused by other types of infections, health conditions and environmental contaminants. The condition is usually categorized by its underlying cause.
Types of myocarditis include:
- Autoimmune myocarditis: This occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your heart muscle.
- Bacterial myocarditis: This is caused by a bacterial infection, which can infect your myocardium or release toxins that cause inflammation.
- Fungal myocarditis: This type is caused by infections from candida, aspergillus, histoplasma and other types of fungi.
- Giant cell myocarditis: This rare but aggressive form is thought to be an autoimmune condition.
- Toxic myocarditis: This is caused by exposure to substances, such as illegal drugs, cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy) and snake venom.
- Viral myocarditis: The most common form, this is caused by a viral infection, such as the flu, HIV or COVID-19.
Symptoms of myocarditis
Myocarditis does not always cause symptoms. If it’s caused by a virus, you might first experience symptoms of the illness, such as fever, aches, pains, cough and runny nose, and then notice heart-related symptoms a week or two afterward.
When myocarditis symptoms occur, they can range from mild to severe and include:
- Body aches
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Feeling lightheaded
- Fever
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Not being able to exercise as you once could
- Rapid, pounding or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you or your child has symptoms of myocarditis. Chest pain and shortness of breath could be signs of a heart attack, and you should call 911 if you experience them.
Myocarditis can be difficult to diagnose since it is rare, and symptoms can easily be confused with other illnesses and conditions. Seeking help early gives you the most options for treatment.
Complications of myocarditis
Myocarditis can lead to problems with your heart’s structure and function, resulting in the need for further treatment or surgery. It can also develop into more serious heart conditions, such as:
- Arrhythmia: Weakening of your heart’s electrical system can lead to your heart beating too fast, too slow or irregularly.
- Cardiomyopathy: This is a condition where your heart muscle becomes weakened, stretched, or has other problems affecting its ability to pump effectively.
- Heart failure: Your heart can no longer pump blood efficiently to your organs and the rest of your body.
Find specialized care for myocarditis
At Baylor Scott & White, we have multiple locations across North and Central Texas to provide you with access to expert cardiology care. Our specialized cardiovascular centers are designed to meet the unique needs of people who have been diagnosed with myocarditis. Whether you're seeking diagnostic testing, treatment options or need ongoing support, our teams are here to help you.
