Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). The inflammation can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood. Myocarditis can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Severe myocarditis weakens the heart so that the rest of the body does not get enough blood. Clots can form in the heart, leading to a stroke or heart attack.
What are the signs and symptoms of myocarditis?
Some people with early myocarditis do not have symptoms. Others have mild symptoms. Common myocarditis symptoms include:
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
• Shortness of breath, at rest or during activity
• Light-headedness or feeling like you might faint
• Flu-like symptoms such as headache, body aches, fever, or sore throat
What are the risk factors for myocarditis?
Some risk factors for myocarditis include:
• Young adults – however, people of all ages can get it.
• More common in males than female
• Genetic make-up
• Alcohol consumption
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, skin injuries or infections, cancer, eating disorders, and end-stage kidney disease.
What are the common causes of myocarditis?
1. mRNA vaccines – have arisen in people/young adults not long after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
2. Viruses – many viruses have been linked to myocarditis, including those that cause the common cold (adenovirus); COVID-19; hepatitis B and C; parvovirus.
3. Gastrointestinal infections (echoviruses), mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus), and German measles (rubella) also can cause myocarditis.
4. Bacteria (staphylococcus, streptococcus), parasites (Trypanosoma cruzi, toxoplasma), and fungi may cause myocarditis.
5. Certain medications or illegal drugs – These include drugs used to treat cancer; antibiotics, such as penicillin and sulphonamide, anti-convulsant, and cocaine.
6. Chemicals or radiation. Exposure to carbon monoxide and radiation can sometimes cause heart muscle inflammation.
7. Other inflammatory diseases. Conditions that may cause myocarditis include lupus, Wegener’s granulomatosis, giant cell arteritis, and Takayasu’s arteritis.
What are the complications of myocarditis?
• Heart failure. Untreated, myocarditis can damage the heart muscle so that it is unable to pump blood well.
• Heart attack or stroke. If the heart muscle is injured and cannot pump blood, the blood that collects in the heart can form clots. A heart attack can occur if a clot blocks one of the heart's (coronary) arteries. A stroke can occur if a blood clot in the heart travels to an artery leading to the brain.
• Rapid or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Damage to the heart muscle can change how the heart beats.
• Sudden cardiac death. Certain serious arrhythmias can cause the heart to stop beating (sudden cardiac arrest).
How is myocarditis diagnosed?
The test used in the diagnosis of myocarditis include:
• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram
• Chest X-Ray
• Heart MRI (Cardiac MRI)
• Echocardiogram
• Cardiac catheterization and heart muscle biopsy
Self-Care Tips:
Important to note that if you or someone that you know experiences chest pain, shortly after vaccination, please seek medical attention. Remember, children are also at risk for myocarditis after vaccination, and could present likewise with chest pain, shortness of breath, etc.
The Food and Drug Administration have announced warnings regarding mRNA vaccines causing myocarditis. More recent, disturbing trends of relatively young adults suffering from and in some cases, dying from unexplained heart complications.
Researchers still are unsure why some people experience this dangerous type of heart inflammation. One report suggested that mRNA vaccines are associated with 84% increase in cardiac related adverse event in males 18 to 39 years years old.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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