CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Myocarditis
INFLAMMATION OF THE HEART MUSCLE
Our leading HCA UK heart consultants diagnose, treat and support people with myocarditis
About
Myocarditis is a condition where the heart muscle becomes inflamed. The condition is not affected by lifestyle and it cannot be prevented. While many people recover from the condition, it can lead to heart failure in rare cases.
Need to know
Myocarditis can be brought on by a viral or bacterial infection, an auto immune disease or unknown causes. People usually develop symptoms around two weeks after the initial illness. Symptoms may include:
- chest pain and tightness, which may spread across the body
- shortness of breath
- finding it hard to breathe
- feelings of exhaustion
- flu-like symptoms
- palpitations
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. If you've had persistent symptoms for some time, they may order the following tests:
- an electrocardiogram (ECG) to show abnormal heart rhythm
- blood tests, which might confirm the infection
- an echocardiogram to show up muscle damage
- a cardiac MRI or a FDG PET scan
Your consultant will discuss treatment options with you and help to determine the best approach. In many cases, symptoms will either resolve on their own, or with the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine. If myocarditis has caused extensive heart muscle and tissue damage, you may need medicines or cardiac devices to prevent or treat heart failure.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.