An Essential Guide to Myocarditis Treatments

A myocarditis diagnosis can be life-altering, and it may present challenges in both management and treatment. However, if you’ve been recently diagnosed, you’re not facing this journey alone.

This disease, which affects around 3 million Americans in their lifetime, often requires a complex and professional treatment approach to help you manage your symptoms.

Knowing more about your treatment options can help you know what to expect and guide you in preparing for them. The right knowledge and support will give you peace of mind about your diagnosis.

What is Myocarditis?

Myocarditis is a cardiovascular disease that causes the heart muscles — or the myocardium — to become inflamed.

When myocarditis occurs, the heart’s ability to pump blood is reduced, which can cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) to develop.

If left untreated, arrhythmias can damage the brain and other vital organs.

Myocarditis symptoms and causes

Various factors may contribute to the development of myocarditis, including:

• Viral infection
• Bacterial infections
• Autoimmune diseases
• Exposure to certain toxins
• Certain medications

You might develop specific symptoms depending on the cause of your myocarditis infection, but people generally experience the following:

• Sharp or stabbing chest pain that may be mistaken for a heart attack
• Abnormal tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Mild fever
• Feeling lightheaded
• Flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, body aches, or sore throat

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a doctor for a professional diagnosis.

What are the Treatment Options for Myocarditis?

Mild to moderate cases of myocarditis

Most cases of myocarditis are mild to moderate and can be treated without serious medical intervention.

The primary management approach involves limiting physical activity to reduce the heart’s workload and implement lifestyle changes, such as:

• Following a heart-healthy diet that is low in sodium and focuses on whole, minimally processed foods
• Avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine
• Lowering stress

In some cases, your doctor may also recommend using the following medications to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and improve heart function:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Beta-blockers
• ACE inhibitors

You might also be advised to regularly schedule and attend checkups with your doctor to monitor your heart function.

This helps in the early detection of any abnormalities and allows for timely adjustments to your treatment plan.

Moderate to severe cases of myocarditis

For moderate to severe cases of myocarditis, your doctor will likely recommend a more comprehensive treatment approach.

This usually includes a period of initial hospitalization for intensive monitoring and treatment with intravenous medications and fluids.

During this time, you may also undergo cardiac rehabilitation, which involves following a structured exercise program to improve your heart health.

Once you’ve been discharged, your doctor will prescribe medications to be taken at home, such as:

• Corticosteroids
• Diuretics
• Digitalis

These medications can help you manage your symptoms while preventing severe complications like heart attacks or pericarditis.

Your doctor may also recommend targeted treatments for any arrhythmias and continue to monitor your heart function.

Life-threatening cases of myocarditis

Although potentially life-threatening cases of myocarditis are rare, they can occur if your initial treatment isn’t aggressive enough or if your condition goes undetected.

These cases require more advanced treatment options that usually include prolonged hospitalization for continuous monitoring and treatment.

You will usually be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for specialized treatment, including medical care for any other organs that are affected.

A healthcare professional will likely also recommend the following medications and treatment options:

• Intravenous medications to manage blood pressure and heart function
• Immunosuppressive therapy to manage myocarditis caused by autoimmune disorders
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to regulate any excessive immune responses

In some cases, you may need surgery to receive mechanical heart support — such as intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) or pacemakers — to help your heart function properly.

For cases of irreversible heart damage, a heart transplant may be necessary.

However, this is usually only used as a last resort (around 1 to 8% of cases) when all other treatments have failed.

How Long Do Myocarditis Treatments Take?

The duration of your myocarditis treatment can vary based on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause.

In mild cases, symptoms often improve within weeks to months, particularly with rest and proper medication.

However, more severe cases — especially those involving heart failure or arrhythmias — may require long-term management.

This can include ongoing medication use, lifestyle adjustments, and regular medical monitoring that may continue for several months to a year or more.

Remember that everyone responds differently to treatment, and consulting your doctor about your progress regularly is essential for the effective management of your condition.

How Can You Prepare for Your Myocarditis Treatment?

Preparing for myocarditis treatment can be daunting, but it can help you find peace of mind for the road ahead. It usually involves taking the following steps to ensure proper treatment:

• Gathering medical information: Your doctor will compile a detailed medical history, noting any recent illnesses, symptoms, and current medications.

• Asking questions: Write down any queries or concerns about myocarditis and its treatment to discuss with your doctor at your next appointment.

• Understanding the treatment plan: Familiarize yourself with the prescribed medications, their side effects, and any necessary lifestyle changes that you may be required to make.

• Having a support system: Ensure that you have help for daily tasks — like transportation, cooking, or cleaning — especially if your activity level is restricted.

• Scheduling your follow-up appointments: Keep a schedule of upcoming medical appointments and tests, and make sure to attend them.

What Happens if You Don’t Treat Myocarditis?

Myocarditis can cause various complications if left untreated, including:

• Worsening of symptoms
• Progression to heart failure
• Arrhythmias
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (enlargement of the heart chambers)
• Sudden cardiac arrest
• Increased risk of stroke
• Chronic health issues that can impact your cardiovascular health
• Liver, kidney, and lung complications
• Sudden cardiac death

These issues can greatly affect your quality of life and your ability to participate in daily activities.

Some myocarditis complications — like cardiac arrest — can also be fatal.

That’s why it’s essential to get professional medical care if you’ve been diagnosed with myocarditis.

Even with a mild diagnosis, actively managing your condition is important to control your symptoms and avoid complications.

How Do You Diagnose Myocarditis?

Myocarditis is diagnosed by a medical professional and usually involves a combination of assessments, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.

The process typically starts with a medical history evaluation and physical examination.

Your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and use a stethoscope to listen for signs of myocarditis, such as an irregular heartbeat.

After these checks, you might need to go for further testing, such as:

• Blood tests: This involves getting blood drawn, which is then sent to a laboratory to test for cardiac biomarkers, signs of inflammation, and the presence of infections.

• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can be useful in detecting arrhythmias or signs of heart muscle damage that may be an indication of myocarditis.

• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This is a noninvasive imaging test that provides your doctor with detailed images of the heart’s structures, which can help them detect inflammation or muscle damage.

• Chest X-ray: These scans are done to check for signs of heart enlargement and fluid in or around the lungs, which can be signs of severe myocarditis and heart failure.

Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor may recommend an endomyocardial biopsy — a procedure that involves taking a small sample of heart tissue for microscopic examination.

A biopsy is typically performed only if the initial diagnosis is uncertain.

When Should You See a Doctor About Myocarditis?

It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you may have developed myocarditis.

In most cases, early detection and treatment of myocarditis is crucial for helping you live a normal life without serious medical complications.

If you have an existing myocarditis diagnosis and your symptoms worsen or don’t seem to improve with treatment, consult your doctor immediately.

These circumstances could indicate that the disease has progressed and is becoming more severe, so prompt action is necessary.

It's important to get regular checkups and monitor your heart health for a good quality of life, even if you don't have myocarditis.

Where Can You Learn More About Myocarditis and Similar Conditions?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about myocarditis, LifeMD is here to help.

LifeMD can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can provide information and guidance on managing your condition while avoiding further complications.

Make an appointment today to get started.