Effects | Myocarditis

Effects

Microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria are able to damage the heart muscle via different points of attack, which ultimately causes a heart muscle malfunction. On the one hand, the pathogen can migrate into the muscle tissue and start the inflammatory process directly on site. At the molecular level, the virus initially causes tissue and possible vascular damage in the heart.

The immune system is then activated, the body’s own defense cells migrate and initiate the destruction and elimination of the viral intruder. The inflammatory process also leads to the release of hormone-like substances that act as mediators between the immune cells (cytokines). However, these have the disadvantage that they reduce the performance of the heart and have a negative effect on tissue formation.

Viruses can act on the defence cells by increasing or decreasing the activity of individual cell groups and ultimately change the tissue structure through an imbalance in the inflammatory process. An alternative mechanism is the production of tissue-damaging toxins, which indirectly lead to cell destruction. In addition, some viruses are able to trigger a defense reaction against, for example, heart proteins, if these show structural similarities to viral proteins. In this respect, the pathological changes can continue even in the absence of the virus.

Symptoms of myocarditis

The symptoms of myocarditis are as varied as they are unspecific. Myocarditis can take all possible forms between asymptomatic and fulminant (sudden, severe, rapid). Since myocarditis is often associated with an infection, symptoms such as cough, rhinitis, fever and headache are not uncommon.

These are often accompanied by unspecific complaints such as tiredness and a performance kink. Palpitations (palpitations or stumbling of the heart) are also noticeable.In addition, heart-specific symptoms also become noticeable. Particularly when the pericardium (pericardium) surrounding the heart is affected, pain in the chest area occurs.

These are most noticeable when inhaled. Cardiac arrhythmia also occurs. If the heart is affected not only temporarily but for a long time, heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) occurs.

This is also characterized by fatigue, reduced performance and low resilience. Breathlessness can also occur during low exertion or even at rest. Water is often stored in the legs (especially at the ankle). These deposits are also known as oedema.