What are the symptoms of myocarditis?
Disease description:
Feeling discomfort in the heart, with a sensation of distension and cramping pain. The doctor mentioned it might be myocarditis. I would like to ask, what are the symptoms of myocarditis, and what precautions should be taken?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium caused by various factors including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, as well as autoimmune reactions. The severity of symptoms varies greatly; some patients may exhibit no obvious symptoms, while most will experience the following typical manifestations:
1. Prodromal symptoms: One to three weeks before the onset of myocarditis, patients may experience prodromal symptoms of viral infection, such as fever, general fatigue, muscle pain, or gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
2. Acute onset symptoms: As the condition progresses, patients may develop moderate to severe fatigue, palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and other symptoms. Severe cases may present with symptoms of acute left heart failure, such as dyspnea and leg edema. More severe or fulminant cases may present directly with syncope or even sudden death, without significant prodromal symptoms or discomfort.
3. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain may occur due to reduced cardiac output caused by myocarditis, which affects blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract.
