Myocarditis and pericarditis are both inflammatory conditions affecting the heart, albeit in different ways.
Myocarditis involves inflammation of the myocardium, the muscular tissue of the heart. This inflammation can weaken the heart muscle, affecting its ability to pump blood effectively. Pericarditis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart. This inflammation can cause chest pain and other symptoms due to irritation of the pericardium.
Prompt and appropriate treatment is essential to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, prevent complications, and preserve heart function. In this article, we’ll discuss the various forms of treatment for these conditions.
What types of treatments are there for myocarditis and pericarditis?
Medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in pericarditis.
- Corticosteroids may be prescribed in cases of severe or persistent inflammation in myocarditis or pericarditis.
- Immunosuppressive drugs may be used in certain cases of autoimmune-related myocarditis or pericarditis.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed in cases where myocarditis or pericarditis is caused by an underlying bacterial infection.
Supportive care
- Rest: allowing the heart to recover by minimising physical activity.
- Fluid management: maintaining proper hydration while monitoring for signs of fluid overload or dehydration.
- Symptom management: addressing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Invasive procedures
- Pericardiocentesis: a procedure to drain excess fluid from around the heart in cases of pericardial effusion.
- Pericardiectomy: surgical removal of part or all of the pericardium in cases of constrictive pericarditis that do not respond to other treatments.
Lifestyle modifications
- Avoiding triggers: such as strenuous exercise or exposure to toxins, depending on the underlying cause of myocarditis or pericarditis.
- Smoking cessation: as smoking can exacerbate inflammation and increase the risk of complications.
Follow-up care
- Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider to assess response to treatment, manage symptoms, and prevent recurrence.
What kinds of tests diagnose myocarditis and pericarditis?
Diagnosing myocarditis and pericarditis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. Here are the common tests used for diagnosis:
- Blood tests may reveal markers of inflammation or infection, as well as certain cardiac biomarkers that may also be elevated in cases of myocarditis or pericarditis.
- An electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormalities such as arrhythmias, conduction disturbances, or changes suggestive of myocardial inflammation.
- An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart. It helps evaluate heart structure and function, detect pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart), and assess for signs of myocardial dysfunction or inflammation.
- Cardiac MRI provides detailed images of the heart and can detect inflammation, oedema, and fibrosis associated with myocarditis or pericarditis.
- Cardiac CT scan may be used to assess for pericardial thickening, calcifications, or other abnormalities suggestive of pericarditis. It can also detect coronary artery disease, which may be relevant if myocarditis is suspected.
- Endomyocardial biopsy involves obtaining a small tissue sample from the heart muscle for microscopic examination. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing myocarditis and can help identify specific inflammatory patterns or infectious agents.
What are the symptoms of myocarditis and pericarditis?
Myocarditis and pericarditis present with distinct symptoms. Myocarditis commonly includes chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and sometimes swelling and flu-like symptoms.
In contrast, pericarditis typically involves sharp chest pain worsened by breathing or lying flat, along with shortness of breath, cough, low-grade fever, and fatigue. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management, especially if experiencing chest pain or difficulty breathing.
What health complications are associated with myocarditis and pericarditis?
Myocarditis and pericarditis can lead to severe complications, including heart failure, arrhythmias, dilated cardiomyopathy, blood clots and constrictive pericarditis. Recurrent pericarditis is also possible.
What are the risk factors for myocarditis and pericarditis?
Risk factors for myocarditis and pericarditis include viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, exposure to toxins or chemicals, recent viral illnesses, certain medications, underlying heart conditions, and compromised immune systems. While these factors increase susceptibility, myocarditis and pericarditis can occur without any known risk factors. Therefore, maintaining overall heart health is an essential preventive measure.
Where can I go if I need treatment for heart conditions such as myocarditis and pericarditis?
You can receive treatment for a wide range of heart conditions such as myocarditis and pericarditis at HeartWest, the largest cardiology group in the western and northwestern corridors of Melbourne, with 4 major locations and 3 satellite sites.
At HeartWest, our qualified team will provide you with high quality cardiology care. You will experience nothing but professionalism, care and courtesy; from your first interaction with our staff, to going through tests, procedures and consultations.
Our cardiologists have expertise in all fields of adult cardiology, including;
Contact us for efficient and affordable specialist heart care services.
