The term “Myocarditis” comes from the heart muscle named Myocardium. When a bacterial, fungal or viral infection in the muscle causes frequent inflammation in the heart muscle then it is called Myocarditis.
How will you know if you are affected with Myocarditis?
There are different types of symptoms that can occur to elderly people and also to children at a tender age.
- For elders:
The common symptoms that can occur in the elderly people are:
- Rapidness or irregularity in heartbeat. It is also called Arrhythmias in medical science.
- Extreme and intolerable chest pain
- Shortness of breath can be a symptom
- Fatigue can be noticed
- In the legs, ankles, and feet certain fluid will build up and it can cause swelling of those body portions
- The symptoms of viral infections like headache, body ache, joint pains, sore throat, fever, and diarrhea.
- For children:
The common symptoms for the children are:
- Fever can come frequently
- Shortness of breath can also be seen
- Arrhythmias can be observed
- Chest pain can occur
- They can faint sometimes
The Causes
There are various reasons why Myocarditis can occur at any age. There are some potential reasons which can cause Myocarditis.
- Virus:
Hepatitis B and C virus, Covid-19 virus, Parvovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus and Adenovirus (that cause common cold and fever) are responsible for Myocarditis.
- Fungi:
People who are immune-compromised can get attacked easily. Yeast infection Candida, Molds, Aspergillus, and Histoplasma can cause myocarditis sometimes.
- Parasites:
Trypanosoma cruzi and toxoplasma can cause myocarditis. Other parasites that can cause Chagas disease can also be a reason behind Myocarditis.
- Bacteria:
Staphylococcus and streptococcus can mostly cause myocarditis. However, a bacterium related to Lyme disease and Diphtheria can also bring trouble.
Health Issues Associated with Myocarditis
There are possibilities of serious heart problems if myocarditis is not treated at an early stage.
- Heart Failure:
Myocarditis does not allow the heart muscle to pump the blood and it can cause, in severe cases, heart failure.
- Cardiac Arrest:
Myocarditis can cause irregular heart rhythms that can lead you to sudden cardiac arrest.
- Heart Attack or Stroke:
The inflammation of the heart does not allow the blood flow to be unobstructed. It creates clots within arteries. That can block the arteries or valves of the heart. Sometimes, the clots block the arteries carrying blood to the brain, which leads to stroke.
The Diagnosis
Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai have some multispecialty hospitals that cure Myocarditis and prevent the chances of death due to it. The following steps can be followed:
- Doctor:
The best thing is to always go to a doctor for regular check-ups. There are some best cardiologists in Hyderabad. There are many doctors though, outside Hyderabad.
- Surgeon:
If the Doctor suggests any surgeries then we have to look for the best cardiothoracic surgeon in Hyderabad. Dr. AGK Gokhale is one of the reputed and professional doctors over there.
- Treatment begins:
The treatment can include Electrocardiogram, Chest X-ray, Heart MRI, Echocardiogram, Blood tests, Cardiac Catheterization, and Hear Muscle Biopsy. In severe cases, there can be a possibility of a heart transplant. Heart Transplant in India has become usual nowadays.
Conclusion:
We can consult Dr. AGK Gokhale for critical surgeries as he is one of the best heart surgeon in Hyderabad. He is continuously practicing and handling difficult cases and is experienced with heart, and lung transplants. Therefore, without wasting time, we should immediately get in touch with the best doctors around us for the treatment of Myocarditis.
