Viral Myocarditis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Myocardial inflammation reduces the heart’s ability to contract and pump blood to various parts of the body, and may cause arrhythmias that can be life-threatening. This condition is generally rare, but more common in children under 5 years old compared to older children and adults.
Symptoms of Viral Myocarditis
- Fever, fatigue, body aches
- Chest pain
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
- In infants: lethargy, cyanosis, poor feeding, nausea, vomiting
If symptoms are severe and untreated, complications such as heart failure, arrhythmia, or sudden cardiac arrest may occur.
Diagnosis of Viral Myocarditis
In addition to clinical signs suggestive of myocarditis, doctors will perform further tests for diagnosis and treatment, such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Cardiac MRI
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac enzyme tests
- Viral detection via nasal and throat swabs, stool samples, or blood immune testing
- Chest X-ray
- Heart muscle biopsy for pathological examination
Treatment of Viral Myocarditis
- The primary treatment involves supporting circulation and managing symptoms until inflammation subsides and heart function returns to normal. This includes fluid balance, medications to improve cardiac contractility, oxygen therapy, antipyretics, nutritional support, and diuretics for fluid overload.
– Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be considered in severe cases.
– Antiviral drugs are used only when the virus has a specific available treatment, such as influenza.
Prevention of Viral Myocarditis
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Practice good hygiene
- Avoid contact with people showing viral or flu-like symptoms
- Avoid crowded places
- Get vaccinated against preventable viral infections such as hand-foot-mouth disease, influenza, chickenpox, dengue, measles, and rubella
