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Myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). This muscle is responsible for contracting and relaxing to pump blood in and out of the heart and to the rest of the body. When this muscle becomes inflamed, its ability to pump blood becomes less effective causing arrhythmias. Myocarditis is different than pericarditis. Pericarditis is an inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium) and not the heart muscle itself. However, it is not unusual to have a patient present with both pericarditis and myocarditis.

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Myocarditis

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Causes of Myocarditis

Often, the cause of myocarditis isn't identified. However, many infections have been associated with myocarditis. These infections are most commonly caused by some of these germs:

  • Viruses that cause the common cold, hepatitis B and C; parvovirus and herpes simplex virus.
  • Bacteria that causes diphtheria and the tick-borne bacterium responsible for lyme disease.
  • Fungi such as yeast infections.
  • Parasites such as trypanosoma cruzi that leads to chagas’ disease.

Other conditions that contribute to the development of myocarditis:

  • Autoimmune Myocarditis: A condition in which the heart muscle becomes inflamed.
  • Exposure to certain chemicals such as carbon monoxide or radiation.
  • Autoimmune Disease: A condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body (e.g. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma).
  • Certain cancer and seizure medications.
  • Use of cocaine
  • Vasculitis

Symptoms of Myocarditis

Myocarditis can affect anyone, occur at any age, and may proceed without displaying any symptoms. Symptoms depend on the cause and severity of myocarditis. Various symptoms include:

  • Body aches/Headache
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Lightheadedness/Fainting
  • Fever
  • Heart palpitations
  • Lower extremity swelling
  • Painful and tender joints most often in the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists.
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden death in young adults

Diagnosis of Myocarditis

Early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term heart damage. After a physical examination, your doctor might order one or more diagnostic tests to confirm that you have myocarditis and determine its severity, including:

Treatment of Myocarditis

Treatment depends on the severity of the myocardial inflammation. In many cases, myocarditis improves on its own or with treatment, leading to a complete recovery. If your myocarditis continues, your doctor may recommend:

Lifestyle Changes

Medications

  • Anti-Inflammatory medications will help reduce inflammation and relief pain.
  • Diuretics “water pills” will help reduce the amount of fluid retention in your body.

Medical and Surgical Procedures

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Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
94 Old Short Hills Road
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-5000
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Monmouth Medical Center
300 Second Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 222-5200
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Clara Maass Medical Center
1 Clara Maass Drive
Belleville, NJ 07109
(973) 450-2000
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Community Medical Center
99 Highway 37 West
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 557-8000
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Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
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Jersey City Medical Center
355 Grand Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 915-2000
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RWJ University Hospital Rahway
865 Stone Street
Rahway, NJ 07065
(732) 381-4200
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RWJ University Hospital Somerset
110 Rehill Avenue
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 685-2200
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RWJ University Hospital Hamilton
1 Hamilton Health Place
Hamilton, NJ 08690
(609) 586-7900
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Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
1 Robert Wood Johnson Place
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 828-3000
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Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
600 River Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 363-1900
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Myocarditis Treatment & Care

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