Duration of symptoms

In principle, the duration of the symptoms of a heart muscle inflammation depends on the severity of the heart muscle inflammation on the one hand and on the health condition of the patient on the other. It is therefore difficult to make a generally valid prognosis about the duration of the symptoms. A mild form of myocarditis, which is usually viral, usually heals without consequences and without therapy. In a very severe form of myocarditis, which results in a permanent impairment of the heart‘s pumping capacity, symptoms of heart failure persist for the rest of the patient’s life if they are not treated for the rest of his or her life. If an affected person is impaired by previous illnesses, then myocarditis can last longer and be more severe than in a young and otherwise healthy patient.

How long should you take it easy on your body?

The duration of physical rest varies depending on the symptoms and the severity of the heart muscle inflammation. Experts recommend a period of physical rest of three to six months. If the symptoms of myocarditis persist after this period, even longer rest may be necessary.

At the end of the rest period, a new diagnosis (ECG, echocardiography, MRI) should be performed. If there are no signs of a persistent heart muscle inflammation, a slow increase in physical activity can be started. During this process, the patient should pay attention to warning signs (e.g. shortness of breath) that indicate the continued existence of the heart muscle inflammation.

During myocarditis, the consumption of alcohol should be avoided. Alcohol can further increase the inflammation of the tissue and cause permanent damage to the heart muscle. If necessary, the healing of myocarditis can also be delayed by the regular consumption of alcohol. For this reason, alcohol should also be avoided for a period of three to six months after myocarditis. Especially the regular and excessive consumption of alcohol is a risk factor for delayed healing and permanent damage.