Myocarditis is a heart condition where the myocardium (heart muscle) becomes inflamed. The inflammation weakens the heart and makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. Myocarditis often disappears on its own after a few weeks or months, but in severe cases it can cause extensive, permanent heart damage.
A serious but relatively rare condition, myocarditis is often caused by an infection, autoimmune disease or certain medications. Early diagnosis is important; if the condition progresses, it can lead to complications including:
Sometimes the cause of myocarditis is unknown.
Infections, either viral or bacterial, may cause myocarditis. Some infections that can lead to myocarditis include:
Other causes of myocarditis include:
In many cases, myocarditis does not cause symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can include:
Certain people have a higher risk of developing myocarditis than others. This condition occurs more frequently in people with the following characteristics:
While myocarditis is not always preventable, taking steps to stay heart-healthy may help. It is important to focus on cardiovascular health by not smoking, exercising on a regular basis and maintaining a healthy weight.
The earlier myocarditis is diagnosed, the lower the risk of sustaining permanent heart damage.
Health care professionals can identify the disease with a physical exam and testing. Diagnostic tests may include:
Some people with mild or no symptoms may not require treatment. The condition may resolve on its own.
When treatment is needed, health care providers may recommend oral or intravenous (IV) medication to improve symptoms and help prevent heart damage. The type of medication depends on the cause (if known) and severity of the condition.
Common medications include:
If myocarditis progresses and causes damage to the heart or leads to heart failure, medical-device therapy or surgery may be necessary to support or restore heart function.
The highly trained physicians affiliated with Memorial Hermann are experienced in diagnosing and treating myocarditis, along with any underlying cardiac conditions that may have caused the disease. Each patient may experience myocarditis differently, and our team of heart specialists can recommend a personalized treatment plan to help control bothersome symptoms and reduce the risk of heart damage. Early diagnosis by our heart and vascular specialists is important so that treatment can begin as quickly as possible.
If you’d like a referral to a heart and vascular specialist or want more information about our services, please fill out the form below. For other inquiries, such as obtaining medical records, imaging reports or test results, please call (713) 222-CARE (2273).