[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/06\/what-is-myocarditis\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/06\/what-is-myocarditis\/","headline":"What Is Myocarditis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment","name":"What Is Myocarditis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment","description":"What is myocarditis? It's inflammation that can affect the heart's electrical system. Find out what causes it and how it can be treated at UPMC.","datePublished":"2018-06-08","dateModified":"2022-04-11","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/myocardititis.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/myocardititis.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/06\/what-is-myocarditis\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health"],"wordCount":419,"keywords":["Heart Health","heart inflammation","inflammation","Lyme disease","myocarditis","viral myocarditis"],"articleBody":"Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart that can affect its electrical system and muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood. This can potentially cause a rapid heart rhythm, or arrhythmia.Myocarditis can result from illnesses such as lupus, and it can cause other health complications.That’s why it’s important to understand what causes myocarditis and how it can be treated.Contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute to schedule an appointment.What Is Myocarditis?Many symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, although you may experience no symptoms. In mild cases, subtle symptoms include slight chest pain or shortness of breath. In advanced stages, symptoms may include:Stabbing and\/or tightness of the chest, which can spread across the bodyShortness of breathDifficulty breathing while at restFlu-like symptoms including headache, body aches, joint pain, fever, sore throat, and diarrheaSwelling of the legs, ankles, feet, or other body partsWhat Causes Myocarditis?Myocarditis can result from a variety of conditions, including viral infections like Lyme disease or rheumatic fever, autoimmune diseases, environmental toxins, and even negative reactions to medications. It also can develop at the same time as pericarditis, an inflammation of the lining of the heart.Diagnosing and TreatingTo diagnose myocarditis, your cardiologist will first review your medical history and check you for symptoms. Additional testing can include an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and chest x-ray, as well as blood tests.Treatments vary based on its severity and cause. Your doctor will likely advise you to rest at home and avoid strenuous activity until your symptoms lessen. Advanced stages, which can lead to heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia, may require more aggressive treatment such as:OxygenMedicines to treat or prevent cardiac arrhythmiasA pacemakerMedicines to treat heart failureNSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to relieve painAnticoagulants to prevent blood clotsAntibiotics to treat bacterial myocarditisMedicines to treat autoimmune diseasesFor severe cases, the most aggressive treatments can include:IV medicationsVentricular assist devicesIntra-aortic balloon pumpsExtra-corporeal membrane oxygenationTransplantation (in extreme cases)Myocarditis may resolve on its own with rest.Your cardiologist will pay close attention for signs of heart failure or arrhythmias and will recommend a course of action if they should occur. Regardless of the severity of your myocarditis, your cardiologist will likely to continue monitor your condition. If you are concerned that you may have myocarditis or would like more information about what causes myocarditis, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute to schedule an appointment."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2018","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"06","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/\/06\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Is Myocarditis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/06\/what-is-myocarditis\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]