It could be - the symptoms of myocarditis are usually breathlessness on exertion, fatigue, palpitations or sometimes a sensation of pressure in the chest.
There are many viruses that cause it, but respiratory viruses are often the cause.
Other causes can be:
- Auto-immune
- Environmental toxins or
- Following chemotherapy
Myocarditis usually presents with symptoms about 7 to 14 days after upper respiratory illness.
Investigations such as ECG, CXR and echocardiogram would help. Occasionally, we may need a MRI scan of the heart.
Treatment is often similar to that of heart failure (a condition where the heart pumping is weak).
The majority of patients recover from myocarditis, but in some it may progress. A comprehensive history and examination, followed by the above tests may be useful in establishing the diagnosis, and appropriate therapy can be then started if the diagnosis is confirmed.
