Myocarditis
Alternative names:
inflammation of heart muscle
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and reduce the amount of heart damage. The cause must be identified and treated. This may include antibiotics or other treatments.
There may be a need to treat arrhythmias with digitalis or antiarrhythmic medications. These patients may be very sensitive to digitalis. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications may be used to reduce symptoms.
Oxygen is usually given to reduce the workload on the heart (when the oxygen level in the body is high, demands on the heart are less). Activity may be restricted to bedrest to reduce cardiac workload, and the diet may be salt/sodium restricted.
A heart transplant may be considered if the condition is severe and unresponsive to treatment.
Expectations (prognosis):
Myocarditis can be very serious, and the outcome depends on the cause. The likelihood of complications varies.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of myocarditis occur, especially after a recent infection.
If you have myocarditis, call your health care provider if you experience increased swelling, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other new symptoms.
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