What is myocarditis?
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, a layer of muscle in the middle of your heart’s wall. It is a rare but serious disorder often caused by an infection. It can weaken your heart and its electrical system, affecting its ability to pump blood around your body.
Myocarditis can affect people of all ages but is most common in children and young adults. It can be caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection, as well as some medications and autoimmune conditions. Some cases are mild and resolve on their own. But it can also develop into a more severe or chronic condition and cause serious complications, including heart failure and arrhythmia.
Types of myocarditis
Viral infections are the most common cause of myocarditis, but it can also be caused by other types of infections, health conditions and environmental contaminants. The condition is usually categorized by its underlying cause.
Types of myocarditis include:
- Autoimmune myocarditis: This occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your heart muscle.
- Bacterial myocarditis: This is caused by a bacterial infection, which can infect your myocardium or release toxins that cause inflammation.
- Fungal myocarditis: This type is caused by infections from candida, aspergillus, histoplasma and other types of fungi.
- Giant cell myocarditis: This rare but aggressive form is thought to be an autoimmune condition.
- Toxic myocarditis: This is caused by exposure to substances, such as illegal drugs, cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy) and snake venom.
- Viral myocarditis: The most common form, this is caused by a viral infection, such as the flu, HIV or COVID-19.
Symptoms of myocarditis
Myocarditis does not always cause symptoms. If it’s caused by a virus, you might first experience symptoms of the illness, such as fever, aches, pains, cough and runny nose, and then notice heart-related symptoms a week or two afterward.
When myocarditis symptoms occur, they can range from mild to severe and include:
- Body aches
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Feeling lightheaded
- Fever
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Not being able to exercise as you once could
- Rapid, pounding or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you or your child has symptoms of myocarditis. Chest pain and shortness of breath could be signs of a heart attack, and you should call 911 if you experience them.
Myocarditis can be difficult to diagnose since it is rare, and symptoms can easily be confused with other illnesses and conditions. Seeking help early gives you the most options for treatment.
What causes myocarditis?
Myocarditis occurs when your heart muscles become inflamed. Inflammation is one way your body fights infection or repairs damage from an injury. Doctors don’t know why infections cause myocarditis in some people and not others.
Inflammation affects your heart muscle’s ability to squeeze and pump blood. It can also interfere with your heart’s electrical system, which keeps it beating regularly.
In myocarditis, viral infections are the most common causes of the inflammation, but inflammation can occur as a result of other types of infections, autoimmune conditions, cancer treatments (such as radiation and chemotherapy), environmental toxins (like snake venom) and other contaminants. Damage to your heart can linger even after the inflammation goes away.
Myocarditis risk factors
Anyone can develop myocarditis, and it can happen at any age. Still, some people are more at risk than others.
Risk factors for myocarditis include:
Age
Babies in their first year of life and young people from puberty to their early 30s are at higher risk of myocarditis than other age groups.
Being immunocompromised
A weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to heart inflammation.
Family history
Some inherited conditions can impact how your body manages inflammation, increasing your risk of myocarditis.
Genes
Between 6% and 18% of people affected by myocarditis carry a genetic mutation that may make them more susceptible.
Health history
Wounds, skin infections and medical conditions, such as diabetes and eating disorders, can increase your chances of getting myocarditis.
Sex
Men are twice as likely to develop myocarditis than women.
Complications of myocarditis
Myocarditis can lead to problems with your heart’s structure and function, resulting in the need for further treatment or surgery. It can also develop into more serious heart conditions, such as:
- Arrhythmia: Weakening of your heart’s electrical system can lead to your heart beating too fast, too slow or irregularly.
- Cardiomyopathy: This is a condition where your heart muscle becomes weakened, stretched, or has other problems affecting its ability to pump effectively.
- Heart failure: Your heart can no longer pump blood efficiently to your organs and the rest of your body.
How is myocarditis diagnosed?
Myocarditis can be difficult to diagnose. Some people have no symptoms, while other symptoms can seem like those of the flu or other common illnesses. No single test can diagnose the condition, and often, doctors use tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Your doctor will examine you, consider your medical history and order diagnostic tests. You might be referred to a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart conditions.
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Medical history and exam
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, your medical history and any recent illnesses. They will also perform a physical exam, listening to your heart for a fast heartbeat or other unusual sounds. They may also look for signs of swelling in your legs, fluid in your lungs and signs of infection, such as a fever or rash.
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Imaging and tests
Tests can help your doctor find what is causing your symptoms. Some of these tests allow your doctor to see your heart, while others look for problems in other parts of your body:
- Chest X-ray: This test can help your doctor see if your heart is enlarged.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Your doctor may order an ECG if your chest X-ray and physical exam suggest a heart problem. The test measures electrical activity in your heart.
- Echocardiography: A type of cardiac imaging, this test uses radio waves to look at the structure of your heart. It can show details of its structure and function.
- Cardiac MRI scan: This test uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create a 3D picture of your heart. Your doctor can identify problems such as inflammation in your heart’s muscular layers.
- Blood tests: Your doctor might test your blood for infections, antibodies produced in response to a viral infection, liver and kidney function, and proteins your body produces in response to inflammation or heart muscle damage.
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Biopsy
Occasionally, your doctor might order a biopsy to confirm your diagnosis of myocarditis if other test results are not clear. An endomyocardial biopsy involves removing a piece of myocardial tissue to examine and test. This is taken through a procedure called cardiac catheterization, where a thin tube, called a catheter, is inserted into an artery and can be passed up into the heart, to obtain a small sample of heart tissue for examination.
Myocarditis treatment
There is no specific treatment for myocarditis, but your doctor can treat the symptoms and the underlying cause if possible. If myocarditis develops into a chronic condition, you might need long-term treatment.
Medication
Your doctor might prescribe medicines to treat your symptoms. These will vary depending on your individual circumstances.
- Antiarrhythmics: These medications help to regulate the rhythm of your heart and prevent arrhythmia.
- Antibiotics: If your symptoms were caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics.
- Beta blockers: These can lower blood pressure and help treat heart failure.
- Colchicine: This is an anti-inflammatory drug that can reduce your risk of a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death.
- Corticosteroids: These work by lowering your body’s immune response. They may help if your symptoms are caused by an autoimmune condition.
- Diuretics: These might be prescribed to reduce excess fluid. Reducing fluid can ease the burden on your heart, since there is less blood to pump, and reduce symptoms such as swelling.
- Immunoglobulin: This is a protein that can be given by intravenous (IV) infusion to control your body’s immune response.
- Inotropes: This medication helps the heart contract better. It can be given in pill form or intravenously.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These include aspirin and ibuprofen and can reduce inflammation.
Surgery
You might need surgery if you have severe myocarditis that has not responded to other treatment, or if you develop complications.
- Cardiac pacemaker:If you develop arrhythmia or are at risk of heart failure, you might need a pacemaker. This is a small electric device implanted under your skin. It sends regular electric pulses to ensure your heart beats regularly.
- Heart transplant: In severe cases of heart failure, you might need a transplant. Your heart is replaced with a healthy one from a deceased donor.
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator: This battery-powered device is implanted under your skin to prevent sudden death if you have a life-threatening arrhythmia.
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD): This is a battery-operated pumping device that helps the left ventricle (lower chamber) of your heart pump blood. It is often used if you are waiting for a heart transplant, but it can also remove the need for one.
Find specialized care for myocarditis
At Baylor Scott & White, we have multiple locations across North and Central Texas to provide you with access to expert cardiology care. Our specialized cardiovascular centers are designed to meet the unique needs of people who have been diagnosed with myocarditis. Whether you're seeking diagnostic testing, treatment options or need ongoing support, our teams are here to help you.
AccentCare - Fort Worth
3880 Hulen St , Fort Worth, TX, 76107
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Idabel, OK
4 SE Avenue A , Idabel, OK, 74745
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Mt Pleasant (Satellite)
1011 N Jefferson Ave , Mt Pleasant, TX, 75455
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Paris
875 S Collegiate Dr , Paris, TX, 75462
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Advanced Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75702
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Touchstone Imaging Tyler
2019 Old Troup Hwy , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital
1814 Roseland Blvd Ste 100, Tyler, TX, 75701
Glen Oaks Hospital
301 Division St , Greenville, TX, 75401
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital - Sherman
3601 N Calais St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care+ Sherman
4028 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital Urgent Care - Tyler
8101 S Broadway Ave , Tyler, TX, 75703
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 100, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates Pediatrics - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 110, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Gastroenterology - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 200, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Outpatient Rehabilitation - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 120, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Endoscopy Center - Sherman
1615 US-75 Ste B, Sherman, TX, 75090
Sherman Endoscopy Center
1615 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Women's Care & Continence Center - Sherman
260 E Evergreen St , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sherman Sycamore (Satellite)
203 E Sycamore St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care – Sherman Highland (Satellite)
300 N Highland Ave , Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Sherman
204 Medical Dr Ste 240, Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Van Alstyne
250 N Collin McKinney Pkwy , Van Alstyne, TX, 75495
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Anna
601 S. Ferguson Pkwy Ste 100, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Royse City
594 W Interstate 30 , Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd , Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd Ste 104, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - McKinney Red Bud
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White Institute For Rehabilitation - McKinney Lake Forest
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White Institute For Rehabilitation - McKinney University
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Heritage Eye Center
1501 Redbud Blvd , McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
The Laser Surgery Center, LLC
2600 W University Dr Ste 200, McKinney, TX, 75071
Frequently asked questions
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How long does it take to heal from myocarditis?
Your condition might be acute, meaning it heals quickly (within a few weeks), or chronic, meaning it takes several months. Your doctor will usually recommend taking extra care and limiting some activities for three to six months while your heart heals.
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What does the beginning of myocarditis feel like?
Early symptoms will depend on the cause of your condition. If you have viral myocarditis, then you might have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough or body aches, around a week or two before you develop heart symptoms. Many people do not have symptoms at all in the early stages.
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How long does myocarditis last?
Your recovery time can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the cause of your myocarditis and your overall health. If you are otherwise healthy, you might find your symptoms improve quickly. But in many cases, myocarditis lasts three months or longer.
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Who is most likely to get myocarditis?
Myocarditis affects males more than females. It can affect people at any age, but babies younger than one year old and young people from adolescence to their early 30s are at higher risk.
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How can you avoid myocarditis?
You cannot avoid myocarditis entirely. Practicing healthy habits, such as washing your hands often and staying updated on vaccines, can help prevent many viral and bacterial infections. Avoiding illicit drugs can also help.
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Can you drink caffeine with myocarditis?
Your doctor might recommend limiting or avoiding caffeine if you have myocarditis. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. It is also best to avoid energy drinks, which can be very high in caffeine and other substances.