Causes and risk factors
The major causative factor of the myocarditis is infection. Myocarditis can be caused due to several infections viral, bacterial or fungal. Coxsackievirus B, echoviruses, rubella, staphylococcus, streptococcus and candid are some of the common causative organism.
Certain other factors can also cause myocarditis. These include certain medication, medicines which are used to treat seizures or hypertension. Physical agents like radiation, heatstroke and hypothermia contribute to myocarditis. Myocarditis is also caused due to exposure to certain chemicals like arsenic, lead and mercury. Disease like Wegener’s granulomatosis, acute rheumatic fever can also lead to myocarditis.
Clinical presentation
Most cases of myocarditis do not show any signs and symptoms. In cases when the affection is mild, the symptoms can mimic a viral infection. Patient may present with shortness of breath, dyspnoea, palpitation and chest discomfort. However in severe cases it can cause the following symptoms like pain in chest, the pain is dull aching or severe pain. Pain in boy and joints, edema on feet and legs is seen. Fevers, fatigue, diarrhea along with bluish discolouration of the skin are the other accompanying symptoms. Myocarditis can lead to complications like Heart stroke, heart failure and sudden death.Myocarditis often is the cause of sudden death in young adults.
Investigations:
Along with the symptoms narrated by the patient, the doctor can advise certain investigations like Chest X ray, ECG, echocardiography along with routine blood test and testing of the blood enzyme levels. End myocardial biopsy is the diagnostic tool.
Treatment
The treatment would consist of hospitalization for monitoring the health status. Medications are given either orally or intravenously.ACE inhibitors, vasodilators, diuretics and beta blocker medications are administered. Surgical intervention is needed in severe cases. It comprises of Ventricular assist device. Regular exercises, healthy eating, undergoing recreational activity for reducing stress are certain measures to be adopted.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
