How is myocarditis treated? Drugs, antibiotics and regimen

Most patients overcome myocarditis without health consequences. In some cases, however, inflammation of the heart muscle can develop into serious health risks, such as cardiomyopathy or heart failure itself.

Acute myocarditis with a severe course requires hospitalization.

The prognosis of treatment of patients depends most on timely diagnosis and management of the course of the provoking disease (infection, allergy, systemic autoimmune disease).

Treatment is determined on the basis of identification of the cause of myocarditis. In general, a long-term resting regime, elimination of physical activity and stress factor and certain dietary measures are applied.

Pharmacological antibiotic treatment is indicated if the infectious bacterial agent of the disease is known. In viral myocarditis, antiviral drugs may be administered in some cases.

Treatment of more severe myocarditis consists primarily of treatment of heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias.

An important role is played by pharmacological treatment in the form of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors (drugs to dilate blood vessels and promote blood pumping) or diuretics (to prevent oedema and water retention).

Corticosteroids, which act to eliminate the inflammatory process, may be used in treatment. Immunosuppressive drugs may be used in patients with an exaggerated immune reaction.

The choice of specific drugs and drugs depends on the general condition of the patient, associated diseases and clinical manifestations of myocarditis itself.

If myocarditis progresses to a chronic phase with severe sequelae, surgical implantation of a pacemaker, defibrillator or complete heart transplantation may be necessary.

The patient is then transferred to a transplant program site with the option of implanting mechanical heart support.

Untreated myocarditis with clinical symptoms can cause serious health problems: impaired cardiac function, heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia or sudden cardiac arrest.

If the heart muscle is weakened, it cannot pump blood properly. Blood can build up around the heart and form blood clots. If a clot blocks one of the heart's arteries, there is a risk of heart attack.