The ability of the heart to pump around the blood in the body is impaired if you develop inflammation of the heart muscle. Sometimes fluid is collected in the lungs and in the heart sac, the membrane surrounding the heart. The disease usually heals by itself.
Heart muscle inflammation can be caused by people of all ages, even those who are otherwise healthy. The cause is almost always a viral infection, but the inflammation can also be due to bacteria or hypersensitivity. It is common to also have pericarditis at the same time. The risk of getting myocardial infarction increases if you exercise or do heavy bodywork even if you have a sore throat or fever.
Heart muscle inflammation usually heals without causing any lasting problems. But it can also get worse and cause damage to the heart muscle, sometimes seriously. Heart muscle inflammation is also called myocarditis.
Symptoms of myocarditis
If you have an inflammation of the heart muscle, it is common for you to experience one or more of the following:
- You get irregular heartbeats and palpitations.
- You get fever and pain in the body.
- You feel pressure over your chest.
- You feel a sense of gravity behind the sternum.
- You have chest pain, more when you lie down than when you sit up.
- You feel tired and out of breath.
When and where should I seek care?
If you have symptoms that you think may be due to myocardial infarction, contact a health center or emergency room immediately. If it is closed at the health center or on-call reception, seek care at an emergency room.
Treatment for myocarditis
The disease usually heals without any special treatment. Sometimes you may need to be nursed in a hospital for a period so that the heart’s function can be checked by the doctor. This is especially true if you have acute myocarditis. If you need treatment, you will be given pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Influence and participate in your care
You can seek care at any medical center or open specialist clinic you want throughout the country. Sometimes a referral to the open specialist care is required.
You should understand the information
In order for you to be involved in your care and treatment for myocarditis, it is important that you understand the information you receive from the healthcare staff. Ask questions if you don’t understand. For example, you should receive information about treatment options and how long you may have to wait for care and treatment.