Have you ever heard of a condition known as myocarditis? If not, you need to be aware of it because according to some, the deadly disorder is on the rise as reported:

Myocarditis, a potentially deadly type of heart disorder, is on the rise…

This potentially deadly condition can affect anyone, but the picture of who is affected is becoming a little clearer.

Men are twice as likely as women to develop severe and possible fatal reactions. And new research shows that the risk of sudden cardiovascular death is relatively high.

So, what is myocarditis?

According to the Mayo Clinic:

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). Myocarditis can affect your heart muscle and your heart’s electrical system, reducing your heart’s ability to pump and causing rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

A viral infection usually causes myocarditis, but it can result from a reaction to a drug or be part of a more general inflammatory condition. Signs and symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and arrhythmias.

So, with deadly myocarditis being on the rise, what are the symptoms you need to be aware of?

According to the Mayo Clinic:

If you have a mild case of myocarditis or are in the early stages, you might have no symptoms or mild ones, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.

In serious cases, the signs and symptoms of myocarditis vary, depending on the cause of the disease. Common myocarditis signs and symptoms include:

 

• Chest pain

 

• Rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

• Shortness of breath, at rest or during physical activity

• Fluid retention with swelling of your legs, ankles and feet

• Fatigue

• Other signs and symptoms of a viral infection, such as a headache, body aches, joint pain, fever, a sore throat or diarrhea

 

 

Myocarditis in children

When children develop myocarditis, they might have signs and symptoms including:

 

• Fever

 

• Fainting

• Breathing difficulties

• Rapid breathing

• Rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

 

 

Above, it states that myocarditis is often caused by a virus, it can also be caused by:

• Bacteria – including staphylococcus, streptococcus, and the bacteria that causes Lyme disease and diphtheria.
• Parasites – including Trypanosoma cruzi and toxoplasma among others.
• Fungi – including yeast infections (candida), aspergillus mold, histoplasma (found in bird droppings).
• Chemicals – including carbon monoxide and radioactive elements.
• Medications – including antibiotics such as penicillin and sulfonamide drugs), cancer treatments and anti-seizure drugs.
• Illegal drugs – including cocaine.
• Disease – including Wegener’s granulomatosis, giant cell arteritis, lupus and Takayasu’s arteritis.

Severe myocarditis can cause complications that include stroke, heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Since myocarditis can be so devastating and deadly, you need to be aware of the symptoms and those things that can cause the onset of myocarditis. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, see your doctor immediately.