HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED

Diagnosis will need a physical examination by a doctor as well as answering questions regarding your health. These may include:

  • Any recent illness
  • A history of auto-immune conditions
  • Exposure to toxins
  • Have you used any recreational drugs
  • Other risk factors like pregnancy or infections

To fully diagnose myocarditis, a doctor may order some tests to be done. These are common, do not normally take long and most patients do not experience pain or discomfort when having them. Occasionally, further tests like a coronary angiogram or a cardiac MRI may also be requested to rule put any other common cardiac causes. Most common tests done are:

  • ECG (electrocardiogram)
  • ECHO (echocardiogram)
  • Chest X-ray
  • Blood tests

We are also funding research into a Point Of Care test system, which will be similar to those currently used to test blood sugar levels, which will make diagnosing much faster and effective.

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TREATING MYOCARDITIS

Treatment plans will vary from patient to patient based on individual health records and the symptoms experienced. There is currently no specific or targeted treatment for myocarditis but we are working with researchers across the globe to rectify this. The most common treatment plans may include:

  • Painkillers/ analgesia for chest pain
  • Medication to calm the infection
  • Antibiotics, if a bacterial infection is the cause
  • Rest
  • General remedies such as plenty of fluids, rest and painkillers

Your doctor will want to monitor your progress and as such, you may need to have follow-up appointments and check-ups. Depending on your personal circumstances, this may be monthly, every quarter or annually. It is important to attend these appointments even if you feel well.

Some patients can have scarring as a result of myocarditis. This means that the heart muscle is damaged and can no longer pump blood around the heart as well as it should causing the heart muscle to become enlarged and weaker. When this occurs, it is known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) It is important to note that all patients with scarring will go on to develop Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR

Being diagnosed with any illness can be daunting and sometimes there is a lot of information to absorb so many find it useful to have a list of questions ready to ask their doctor. You may have questions that you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about, however, it’s important to remember that your doctor has spoken to many patients – you will not be the first to ask!

Some questions to ask are:

  • What is my follow up plan?
  • Any tips for managing symptoms?
  • How and when can I exercise again?
  • How and when can I return to work?
  • Ask questions regarding your medication – make sure you understand the doses correctly

Things that may help while you recover:

  • Use pillows to help create a comfortable position especially when sleeping. Some people find sitting forwards with arms resting on a table helps.
  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
  • Stay hydrated
  • Follow a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and veg
  • While there is no evidence to support this, many patients at that avoiding caffeine and aspartame (found in diet drinks) helps
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