What are the consequences if myocarditis becomes severe?

Dec 03, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

In general, severe myocarditis may lead to complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, dilated cardiomyopathy, and embolism. The consequences of severe myocarditis can be serious; however, with early diagnosis and timely treatment, most patients' conditions can be controlled and the prognosis is usually favorable. Therefore, once myocarditis is suspected, prompt medical attention should be sought for proper evaluation and treatment.

Generally, severe myocarditis may lead to complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, dilated cardiomyopathy, and embolism. The details are as follows:

1. Heart Failure

Severe myocarditis can damage myocardial cells and impair the heart's systolic and diastolic functions, making it unable to pump blood effectively, thus leading to heart failure. Patients may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and edema, significantly affecting their quality of life.

2. Arrhythmias

Myocardial inflammation can disrupt the heart's electrical activity, causing various arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and high-grade atrioventricular block. These severe arrhythmias may result in cardiac arrest and sudden death.

3. Cardiogenic Shock

Due to severe myocardial damage, cardiac output is markedly reduced, failing to meet the body's metabolic demands. This leads to a drop in blood pressure and the development of cardiogenic shock. Patients may present with pallor, cold and clammy extremities, and altered mental status, representing a life-threatening emergency.

4. Dilated Cardiomyopathy

In some patients with severe myocarditis, persistent myocardial injury and prolonged illness can cause gradual enlargement of the heart, eventually progressing to dilated cardiomyopathy. This condition leads to progressive deterioration of cardiac function and carries a poor prognosis.

5. Embolism

In patients with myocarditis, weakened myocardial contractility slows blood flow within the heart, increasing the risk of thrombus formation. If a clot dislodges, it can travel through the bloodstream to various parts of the body, causing serious complications such as pulmonary embolism or cerebral embolism.

The consequences of severe myocarditis can be serious. However, with early diagnosis and prompt treatment, most patients can achieve disease control and have a favorable prognosis. Therefore, if myocarditis is suspected, medical attention should be sought immediately for proper evaluation and treatment. Adequate rest and rehabilitation after treatment, along with regular follow-up examinations, are essential to reduce the risk of complications and promote recovery.

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After swimming, I feel a slight stabbing pain in my heart. What could be causing this, and what should I do?

In general, chest pain after swimming may be related to pathological factors such as changes in breathing patterns, cold stimulation, pleurisy, viral myocarditis, and acute pericarditis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment. Additionally, it is advisable to perform adequate warm-up exercises before swimming, select suitable exercise intensity and duration based on individual physical condition, and avoid excessive fatigue.

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Why does fever occur at night but not during the day with Type A flu, and what should be done?

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