Myocarditis Symptoms and Causes: How Younger People Are at Risk

Myocarditis symptoms have been reported primarily in adolescents and young males within several days or after receiving a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. An inflammation of the heart muscle, the condition has been recognised as a complication of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

Though it’s most commonly caused by a viral infection, a drug reaction or generalised inflammation of the heart muscle and body can also cause myocarditis. Learn about myocarditis, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and how to curb heart failure.

Myocarditis in TCM 

The condition can weaken the heart’s ability to pump blood and lead to complications such as a stroke or heart attack. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician Luke Yau Wai, myocarditis is caused by several factors: inflammation, body weakness, exogenous Heat, pathogenic factors, cardiac invasion, exhaustion of Heart yin or Dampness repression, or Heart Yang Deficiency. 

Patients with myocarditis have a weak body, predisposed to infection with bacteria or viruses, loss of nourishment in the heart, damage to the heart muscle and irregular heart rhythm. In TCM, myocarditis is categorised as a cause of palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain. 

Myocarditis Symptoms

The symptoms of myocarditis include chest pain, tiredness, swelling of the legs, ankles and feet, and dizziness.

The exact cause of myocarditis is difficult to estimate as patients often experience very mild or no symptoms. People with the condition may appear to be healthy and fine. In fact, many times, some may recover without realising that they had it in the first place. 

Myocarditis symptoms may develop suddenly or over time. The common cases of myocarditis report experiencing chest pain, tiredness, swelling of the legs, ankles and feet, palpitations, breathlessness, and dizziness among patients. You may also have flu-like symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, fever and a sore throat.

If you notice any of these signs, they should be taken seriously, and you need to consult a doctor. Head to the emergency department immediately should you have unexplained chest pain, palpitations or breathlessness. 

Myocarditis and pericarditis: symptoms and causes

When it comes to heart health, understanding the differences between myocarditis and pericarditis is crucial. Both conditions involve inflammation and can have serious implications for heart function, but they affect different parts of the heart and have distinct symptoms and causes.

What is Myocarditis?

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium, which is the heart muscle itself. The myocardium is essential for the heart’s ability to pump blood, and inflammation here can severely impact its function. The symptoms and causes of myocarditis include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and in severe cases, heart failure. Common causes are viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to certain toxins.

What is Pericarditis?

Pericarditis, on the other hand, is an inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. The symptoms and causes of pericarditis can also include chest pain, but this pain is often sharp and may worsen with deep breaths or lying down. Other symptoms can include fever, palpitations, and a general feeling of weakness or fatigue. Causes of pericarditis can range from viral infections to heart attacks, and even certain medical procedures.

Key Differences

While both conditions involve inflammation and can cause chest pain, the location and nature of the inflammation are different. Myocarditis affects the myocardium, impacting the heart muscle’s ability to pump effectively. Pericarditis affects the pericardium, potentially leading to complications such as pericardial effusion, where fluid builds up around the heart.

Myocarditis Prevention

Physician Luke advises to layer up when the weather changes and always to stay warm. “Physical exercise and vitamin C intake help boost immunity and prevent infections,” he adds. 

He also recommends seeking medical attention if you suffer from illnesses like a sore throat or the common cold and avoiding neglecting the symptoms of myocarditis. It is better to prevent the infection from worsening and keep it in check before it affects your heart. 

Quit smoking and drinking, especially when you’re sick. Physician Luke advocates eating a healthy diet, leading a routine lifestyle, and maintaining a work-life balance to avoid myocarditis.

Myocarditis Treatment

Early myocarditis diagnosis is critical to prevent any long-term damage to the heart. Often, myocarditis resolves on its own with rest and supportive therapy. When it can cause complications such as heart failure, the treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms and addressing the cause. 

General measures to prevent heart failure

Physician Luke advises his patients to rest adequately and avoid overworking as it may lead to heart failure. “Try to keep agitation, nervousness, and anxiety at bay. Patients with viral myocarditis are prone to arrhythmia, and these factors will aggravate its occurrence,” is his opinion.

Diet therapy for those living with myocarditis

In terms of diet, consume highly nutritional and protein-rich food. Lean cuts of fish and chicken in a warm broth work well to heal the body and boost the immune system. 

A healthy diet helps with healing and recovery. Ensure you eat foods that will help pump blood in a much healthier way, such as fruits and vegetables, nuts and adequate sources of fibre. Foods containing healthy fats such as salmon, walnuts, canola, and soybean oils help improve heart health and help with recovery. You may be advised to restrict your salt intake to prevent burdening your kidneys. Also, eat foods low in cholesterol and avoid saturated and trans-fats. 

Herbal remedies 

Physician Luke suggests TCM herbal remedies to hasten recovery from myocarditis. However, the treatment should be taken under the guidance of a licensed TCM practitioner who can identify your body constitution type and suggest a suitable herbal remedy.

Heart and Kidney Yang Deficiency 

Ning Shen pills (宁神丸) and Deer Tail (lu wei, 鹿尾) capsules enhance Heart metabolism and improve Kidney function.

Blood Stasis in the Heart and vessels  

Drink red sage tea with Chinese dates. The tea is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and is easy to make at home using fresh or dried leaves. Simply add the leaves to boiling water and allow it to steep for about five minutes.

Qi and Yin Deficiency  

A TCM physician will prescribe Bu Qi Jian Zhong pills (补气健中丸) and Liu Wei Di Huang pills (六味地黄丸) if you have this Deficiency. 

Most patients who’ve experienced myocarditis after a COVID-19 vaccine responded well to the general supportive therapy and rest. Those with the condition usually return to their daily activities once their symptoms improve. However, consult your doctor before resuming your normal activities if you are involved in heavy physical work or exercise. 

Myocarditis symptoms shouldn’t be neglected. Early diagnosis and treatment help in recovery and prevent lasting damage to the heart. Adequate rest and natural remedies can go a long way in ensuring a quick recovery.