Discover Myocarditis Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

About Myocarditis

Myocarditis is classified as a rare disease but is estimated to affect thousands of adults and children in the U.S. and around the world each year. 3.1 million cases of myocarditis were diagnosed in 2017 (statistics posted in Lancet, November 2018). Because many individuals – and even physicians – are unfamiliar with this condition, the Myocarditis Foundation was established in 2005 to provide a trusted resource for those affected by myocarditis. Here, we’ll review the disease’s causes, symptoms, treatment and more to answer your most pressing questions.

After Myocarditis

After treatment, many patients live long, full lives free from the effects of myocarditis. For others, however, ongoing cardiovascular medication or even a heart transplant may be needed. Overall, myocarditis which can cause dilated cardiomyopathy, are thought to account for up to 45 percent of heart transplants in the U.S. today.

Healthy lifestyle changes can also support proper heart function. Your doctor may recommend that you reduce sodium in your diet, avoid alcohol, limit fluid intake and quit smoking. It’s also generally advised that you avoid competitive sports and other rigorous exercise for a period after diagnosis, to be determined by the cardiologist. And while it’s possible for the disease to come back, more-so in giant cell myocarditis, it is extremely rare.

https://www.myocarditisfoundation.org/about-myocarditis/