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Myocarditis
What is it?
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium, the heart's muscle wall. The myocardium contracts to pump blood out of the heart and then relaxes as the heart refills with blood coming back in.
Causes of myocarditis include infections, chemicals, radiation, medicines and certain diseases. In children, the most common cause is a viral infection.
In some cases, myocarditis may lead to permanent damage of the heart muscle, known as cardiomyopathy.
How is it treated?
Treatment includes antibiotics, reduced level of activity, and a low-salt diet. Steroids and other medicines may be used to reduce inflammation. Diuretics are also given.
If the heart muscle is very weak, standard medicines to treat heart failure are also used. An abnormal heartbeat may be treated with medicines or by inserting a pacemaker or a defibrillator.
If there is a blood clot in the heart, blood thinning medicine may be given.