Myocarditis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Myocarditis (mi-o-kar-DI-tis) is an inflammation (swelling) of the myocardium (heart muscle). The myocardium pumps blood in and out of the heart and to other parts of the body. With myocarditis, the heart muscles are damaged and scars may form in them. This makes the heart weak and work harder to supply oxygen to the rest of your body. Over time, the increased pressure to pump blood may cause the heart to enlarge and become overworked. This may lead to heart failure and a decreased blood flow to the organs. Blood clots may develop and cause other life-threatening conditions, such as a stroke or heart attack. The most common cause of myocarditis is an infection caused by germs, especially viruses.
  
  
• Myocarditis may occur as an acute (sudden) or chronic (long term) heart problem. At the start of your disease, you may have fever, cough, or diarrhea (loose bowel movement). As your heart weakens and fails to pump, you may have chest pain or trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue (tiredness), dizziness, fainting (passing out), or having too fast or irregular heartbeats. Myocarditis is diagnosed by blood tests, chest x-ray, biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiography. Caregivers may suggest that you rest and limit physical activities so your heart will not work too hard.
  
  
• Treatment may include oxygen, medicines, such as antivirals or diuretics, cardiac devices, or implants, and surgery. With proper treatment, you have a greater chance of recovery and preventing further problems. Ask your caregiver for more information about these tests and treatments.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Aspirin to stop blood clots: Aspirin helps thin the blood to keep blood clots from forming. If caregivers tell you to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead. Do not take more or less aspirin than caregivers say to take.
  
  
• Blood thinners: Blood thinners are medicines that help prevent clots from forming in the blood. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Blood thinners may cause you to bleed or bruise more easily. Do the following if you are taking a blood thinner:
  
  
  • Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose, or in your urine or BMs.
    
    
  • Use a soft washcloth on your skin and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. Doing this can keep your skin and gums from bleeding.
    
    
  • Tell your dentist before dental cleanings, and other caregivers before other procedures, that you take blood thinning medicine.
    
    
  • If you shave, use an electric shaver.
    
    
  • Do not play contact sports since you may bleed or bruise easily.
    
    
  • Wear a MedicAlert bracelet or necklace that says you are taking a blood thinner medicine. You may get one from your local drugstore or contact the MedicAlert Foundation.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Activity:

• Limit your physical activity: Caregivers may suggest that you avoid doing stressful and heavy physical activities. Ask your caregivers what activities you are allowed to do.
  
  
• Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

Diet:

• Eat a variety of healthy foods every day. Your diet should include fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, and protein (such as chicken, fish, and beans). Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver if you should be on a special diet. You may be told to eat foods that are low in fat or cholesterol. You may also be told to limit the amount of salt you eat. Special cookbooks can make it easier to plan low fat and low salt meals.
  
  
• Weighing too much can make your heart work harder and can cause serious health problems. Talk to your caregiver about a weight loss plan if you are overweight.

Lifestyle changes:

• Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can damage your brain, heart, and liver. Almost every part of your body can be harmed by alcohol. Drinking alcohol can also make your illness worse. Talk to your caregiver if you drink alcohol, and ask for information about how to stop.
  
  
• Exercise: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and keeps you healthy.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness later. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, relaxing muscles, music, or biofeedback. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

For more information: Having myocarditis may be life-changing for you and your family. Accepting that you have myocarditis may be hard. You and those close to you may feel sad, angry, or frightened. These are normal feelings. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information about myocarditis:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
  Health Information Center
  P.O. Box 30105
  Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
  Phone: 1-301-592-8573
  Web Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/infoctr/index.htm
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your heart condition, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have signs of a heart attack:
  
  
  • Chest pain or discomfort that spreads to your arms, jaw, or back.
    
    
  • Unusual, sudden back pain.
    
    
  • Nausea (sick to your stomach).
    
    
  • Trouble breathing.
    
    
  • Sweating.
    
    
  • Lips or nailbeds that turn blue or white in color.
    
    
  • This is an emergency. Call 911 or 0 (operator) for an ambulance to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!
  
  
• Your signs and symptoms come back or get worse.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page