Heart inflammation

Heart inflammation or myocarditis is a condition that involves inflammation of the heart muscle. This condition can affect the heart muscle and the heart's electrical system, reducing the heart's ability to pump and causing rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Causes

Heart inflammation is usually caused by a viral infection. Other causes can include a reaction to a drug or an inflammatory condition such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or sarcoidosis. Heart inflammation can also be caused by bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart inflammation can vary widely. They can range from no symptoms at all to severe heart failure. The most common symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and rapid or irregular heartbeats.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of heart inflammation is often challenging because the signs and symptoms often mimic those of other heart conditions. Tests that can help diagnose heart inflammation include blood tests, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and cardiac MRI.

Treatment

Treatment for heart inflammation focuses on the cause of the condition. If a specific cause can be identified, such as a viral or bacterial infection, treatment will focus on addressing that cause. If no specific cause can be identified, treatment will focus on relieving symptoms and supporting heart function.

Prognosis

The prognosis for heart inflammation varies widely. Some people recover completely with no lasting effects, while others may have long-term heart problems or even die from the condition.

See also

• Cardiology
• Heart disease
• Inflammation

Heart inflammation Resources
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