A health condition in which inflammation occurs in 2 parts of the heart muscle, but mostly in the pericardium (the protective sac around the heart), is called myopericarditis. Usually, people develop this condition due to a viral infection, but medicines may help treat it. However, chronic effects from myopericarditis are not common, but people may need a few weeks to recover completely.
Some people do not make the difference between myocarditis and pericarditis. While myocarditis occurs when inflammation affects the myocardium (the heart muscle), pericarditis is a condition that causes inflammation to occur in the protective sac of the heart called the pericardium. When both conditions occur, but the pericardium is affected more than the heart muscle, the condition is called myopericarditis. If these conditions mostly affect the heart muscle, the disorder is known as perimyocarditis.
What is the Difference between Myopericarditis and Pericarditis?
Usually, these diseases share similar symptoms, such as fatigue (extreme tiredness), fever, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and chest pain. However, people with myopericarditis more frequently experience arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), but people with pericarditis may experience pericardial effusion.
What Are The Symptoms of Myopericarditis?
In most cases, people with this condition experience the following symptoms. Examples include:
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain that can be sharp or worsen when you breathe or cough
If you experience any of the previous symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare provider.
Causes and Risk Factors
In most cases, healthcare professionals cannot determine what exactly causes myopericarditis. Check some possible causes below:
- A tumor that develops in the heart muscle
- Inflammatory disorders (including lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and others)
- Kidney failure
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
- Smallpox or COVID-19 vaccines
- Parasites
- Fungi
- Bacteria (such as tuberculosis)
- Viruses (such as COVID-19)
- Radiation to the chest
- Cancer that spreads to other parts of the body (including breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma)
While anyone can develop this disease, physicians have identified some factors that could increase the risk. Examples include:
- Certain viruses – For example, herpes, influenza (flu), COVID-19, coxsackie virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C, and others.
- Age – Myopericarditis often occurs in people under the age of 40.
- Sex – Females are less likely to develop this condition compared to males.
- Other health conditions (including cancer)
- Environmental factors – For instance, prolonged exposure to toxins (including heavy metals and carbon monoxide) and recreational drugs significantly increases the risk of myopericarditis.
- Heart-related problems – These include structural heart problems, recent chest injuries, and heart infections.
What Are The Possible Complications of Myopericarditis?
People who develop this condition may also experience some complications, especially if they develop a moderate or severe form or leave it untreated. Check some complications below:
- Constrictive pericarditis – In general, the risk of developing this complication is less than 1% in people with viral myopericarditis. However, if you develop bacterial myopericarditis, the risk increases between 20% and 30%.
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
- Improper work of the left ventricle
- Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade – These are serious complications that cause excessive fluid to build up in the pericardial sac. It often compresses the heart and prevents it from functioning properly. These complications are considered a medical emergency if you experience a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Cardiogenic shock and sudden cardiac arrest – In more severe cases, the heart suddenly becomes unable to pump blood. As a result, it leads to shock or sudden death.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Thromboembolism – People who develop this complication are at higher risk for a heart attack or stroke.
The previous list does not contain all possible myopericarditis complications, but your doctor may recommend some tips that will help reduce the risk or even prevent them.
How to Prevent Myopericarditis?
Healthcare professionals may recommend some tips to reduce the risk of myopericarditis. Check some of them below:
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water to prevent bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.
- Stay up to date on vaccines (including COVID-19 and influenza)
- Avoid infection sources (such as avoiding people with respiratory infections or flu-like symptoms)
- Avoid illegal substances
- Use condoms or dental dams during sexual activity to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Get protection against insect-borne diseases
Diagnosis
First, doctors will perform a physical examination and ask some questions about the symptoms and medical history. To confirm or rule out myopericarditis, they often perform the following tests. Examples include:
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – This is a quick test used to measure the electrical activity of the heart. It usually helps identify arrhythmia.
- Blood tests
- Heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Chest X-ray
- CT (computerized tomography) scans
Treatment
Commonly, doctors prescribe different options to treat this condition. It often depends on the severity and exact cause of myopericarditis, existing health problems, age, gender, and preferences. Check some options often recommended by doctors for people with myopericarditis below:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – Doctors usually recommend Ibuprofen to relieve the symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines (such as Prednisone or Colchicine)
- Heart failure/blood pressure medications – For example, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and diuretics (also known as water pills).
- Pericardiocentesis – During this procedure, doctors will drain excess fluid from the pericardium.
In some cases, people may experience some adverse reactions to the previous medicines and procedures. These include dry cough, headaches, appetite changes, dizziness, stomach upset, and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prognosis for myopericarditis?
In general, the outlook for this condition is very good, especially when the condition is found in the early stages. Mostly, myopericarditis does not cause long-term complications and does not return after treatment.
How long does myopericarditis last?
While the symptoms disappear within a few days after starting the treatment, a complete recovery may take up to 6 weeks. Do not perform physical activity without your doctor’s approval.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
It is recommended to see a doctor right away if any of the following symptoms appear. For example, heart palpitations, dyspnea (shortness of breath), edema (swelling in the legs and feet), retention of water, and severe abdominal swelling.
Can myopericarditis come back after treatment?
Although recurrence is uncommon, some people may experience another episode of myopericarditis, especially if the underlying cause is not fully treated or if they have certain autoimmune disorders. Regular follow-up appointments can help detect any signs of recurrence early.
Is myopericarditis contagious?
No, myopericarditis itself is not contagious, but some infections that can lead to myopericarditis, such as viral illnesses, may spread from person to person. Practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection.
Can I exercise if I have myopericarditis?
Doctors usually recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity until the inflammation has completely resolved. Exercising too soon may increase the risk of complications or delayed recovery. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding physical activity.
Can myopericarditis affect children?
Although it is more common in young adults, myopericarditis can also occur in children and adolescents. Symptoms may be similar to those seen in adults, including chest pain, fatigue, fever, and shortness of breath.
What foods should I eat during recovery from myopericarditis?
A heart-healthy diet may support recovery. Healthcare professionals often recommend eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods, excess salt, and sugary beverages.
Can stress worsen myopericarditis symptoms?
Stress does not directly cause myopericarditis, but it may worsen symptoms such as heart palpitations, fatigue, and chest discomfort. Managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation techniques, and healthy lifestyle habits may help improve overall well-being during recovery.
Are follow-up appointments necessary after myopericarditis treatment?
Yes. Follow-up visits allow healthcare providers to monitor heart function, ensure the inflammation has resolved, and identify any potential complications. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend repeat blood tests, ECGs, echocardiograms, or other imaging studies. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any other questions.
