Unlike endocarditis, which most often affects the heart valve, myocarditis affects heart muscle. It is most often developed as a result of a serious viral infection located somewhere within the body. However, it can also result from other heart complications that may leave traces of bacteria behind to intrude into the muscle wall. The condition may be contracted by individuals of all ages and can take place in both men and women. Left unchecked or improperly treated, myocarditis can severely weaken or even damage the heart. It may lead to blood clots that can cause heart attack or stroke. For these reasons, it is important to recognize the symptoms of the condition so that they can be reported to a physician as quickly as possible.
Instructions
1. Recognize the most typical symptoms of myocarditis. Fatigue, especially when coupled with shortness of breath, is a strong indication of the condition. Other symptoms include swelling of the extremities, which may also be the result of the third symptom, fluid retention.
2. Understand that myocarditis can represent itself differently in children. While they may experience some of the same symptoms noted above, additional symptoms could also result. These may include skin or nail discoloration because of oxygen loss, an unusually high fever, and even inability or unwillingness to eat or drink.
3. Research the symptoms of myocarditis that could also mirror those of other diseases. These include chest discomfort or mild pain. When chest pain isn’t severe, it can easily be dismissed. Heart arrhythmia can result from a number of different conditions or diseases, making it difficult to tie to myocarditis. Arrhythmia may represent itself as irregular heartbeat, skipped beats, or beats that are too rapid or too slow. Another symptom- -shortness of breath- -could be related to either heart or lung problems. Most people assume the latter and don’t give much thought to the former, which in the case of myocarditis could be fatal.
4. Contact a physician when certain viral symptoms are displayed. These include sudden onset of a severely painful headache; unexplained body aches and pains, particularly those located in the joints; or stomach cramps accompanied by diarrhea. While these symptoms may not necessarily indicate a dangerous viral infection, they very well could. In the case of myocarditis it is better to be safe than sorry.
5. Report to an ER when severe symptoms are displayed. These include an inability to catch a breath. More severe than mere shortness of breath, in this instance an individual’s breathing is severely labored, bordering on impossible. Symptoms may also include an inability to perform simple daily activities like washing dishes or taking out the trash. Individuals may faint suddenly without any advance notice. This may or may not be accompanied with heart arrhythmia.
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