Myocarditis | Baylor Scott & White Health

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.

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.

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.

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.

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Abilene

1219 E South 11th St Ste B2, Abilene, TX, 79602

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Abilene

1219 E South 11th St Ste B2, Abilene, TX, 79602

What is myocarditis?

Types of myocarditis

Symptoms of myocarditis

When to see a doctor

What causes myocarditis?

Myocarditis risk factors

Age

Being immunocompromised

Family history

Genes

Health history

Sex

Complications of myocarditis

How is myocarditis diagnosed?

Medical history and exam

Imaging and tests

Biopsy

Myocarditis treatment

Medication

Surgery

Find specialized care for myocarditis

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to heal from myocarditis?

What does the beginning of myocarditis feel like?

How long does myocarditis last?

Who is most likely to get myocarditis?

How can you avoid myocarditis?

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