The myocardium, also known as the heart muscle among the people, forms a large part of the heart. This muscle, like other striated muscles in the body, can become inflamed due to infections.
What is Myocarditis?
Bacteria, fungi, autoimmune diseases and pharmacological agents, especially viruses, can cause inflammation of the heart muscle. . This condition, which is defined as myocarditis in medicine, is mostly asymptomatic, that is, without symptoms, but in some cases, it can have serious consequences that can lead to heart failure or death.
The incidence of myocarditis, which constitutes approximately 25% of cardiac muscle diseases, cannot be determined clearly in the general population because the disease is mostly asymptomatic and can heal spontaneously. Myocarditis, which can also be defined as inflammation of the middle layer of the heart wall, causes deterioration in heart muscle cells. Viral infections are often the source of the disease. Therefore, people who are not vaccinated against viral infections, use drugs, have unprotected sexual intercourse and do not comply with personal hygiene rules are in the risk group for myocarditis.
What are the Symptoms of Myocarditis?
In mild myocarditis cases, the disease mostly occurs. Although it does not cause any symptoms, some symptoms may be seen in severe cases. Although these symptoms vary according to the cause of the disease, most of the symptoms such as chest pain, heartbeat different from normal, breathing problems at rest or during activity, swelling in the feet or legs, (edema), body and joint pains, weakness, fever, sore throat, diarrhea. causes it to appear. The disease, which can be seen in all age groups, can cause symptoms such as high fever, fainting, and changes in skin color, especially in children.
What are the Causes of Myocarditis?
Viruses, bacteria, parasites or fungi in different parts of the body. infections and some autoimmune diseases can cause myocarditis. Myocarditis is mostly caused by viral infections. However, bacteria causing diphtheria and Lyme disease, systemic diseases such as lupus can also cause myocarditis. In addition to all these, some drugs, antibiotics and drug use that cause toxic reactions can also cause inflammation of the heart muscle. can lead to suffocation.
When the inflammation is severe or left untreated, irreversible damage to the heart muscle may occur. Depending on the extent of the damage, it can lead to serious health problems such as heart failure. As a result of this situation, which causes the body to not be able to pump enough blood, the possibility of clot formation increases, which can lead to life-threatening conditions such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke.
What are the Diagnosis and Treatment Methods for Myocarditis?
For the diagnosis of myocarditis, the physician first listens to the patient's history and then performs a physical examination. In order to clarify the diagnosis, an EKG is taken to observe the electrical activity of the heart. A holter can be attached to the person to monitor the heart rhythm and blood pressure. Echocardiography (ECHO) is taken to evaluate heart functions. Additional radiological tests such as chest X-ray and MRI may be done.
In addition, laboratory tests may be required to control the presence of myocarditis-related infections. When deemed necessary, cardiac catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy tests are performed to clarify the diagnosis. After the diagnosis of myocarditis is made, drug therapy is usually started. A personalized treatment is arranged for the regulation of heart rhythm and removal of edema. In advanced myocarditis cases, applications such as ventricular support device, intra-aortic balloon pump, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are performed. In more severe cases, a heart transplant may be required.
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