Myocarditis: Care Instructions

Overview

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. It may happen after an infection such as COVID-19, strep throat, or tuberculosis. It may also be caused by a reaction to a medicine or toxin. Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, cause it too. Myocarditis is a rare side effect of some COVID-19 vaccines.

Treatment depends on how severe the illness is. If you have other heart problems, your doctor will treat them at the same time. You may need to take medicine for your heart. Lifestyle changes such as getting more rest, reducing salt in your diet, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking may be part of the treatment.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you're having a problem with your medicine.
• Ask your doctor what level and type of activity is safe.
  • Don't play sports or do intense exercise until your doctor says it's okay.
  • Rest when you feel tired.
• Have a heart-healthy lifestyle.
  • Eat heart-healthy foods. This includes vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium, alcohol, and sugar.
  • Don't smoke or vape or allow others to smoke or vape around you. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
  • Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Talk to your doctor if you need help losing weight.
  • Manage other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
  • If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
• Keep track of your weight daily, if your doctor asks you to. Weigh yourself every day at the same time of day, on the same scale, in the same amount of clothing.
• Stay up to date on all recommended vaccines. These help keep you healthy.
• Be sure to go to all follow-up appointments and tests that your doctor recommends.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have severe trouble breathing.
• You have chest pain.
• You cough up pink, foamy mucus.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new or changed symptoms of heart failure, such as:
  • New or increased shortness of breath.
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded or like you may faint.
  • Feeling so tired or weak that you cannot do your usual activities.
  • New or worse swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
  • Sudden weight gain, such as more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week. (Your doctor may suggest a different range of weight gain.)
• You have a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.