Myocarditis

Treatment

Treatment usually involves:

• controlling or treating the underlying cause of the inflammation
• reducing the workload of the heart
• treating heart abnormalities that result from the inflammation

Medications

ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers may be used if the heart is enlarged or to treat heart failure.

If the heart muscle is very weak, standard medicines to treat heart failure are also used. Abnormal heart rhythm may require additional medications, a pacemaker or a defibrillator. If a blood clot is present in the heart chamber, blood-thinning medicine is administered.

Steroids and other medications that modify the immune system may be used to reduce inflammation.

Diuretics (medicine to promote removal of body water via the urine) may also be given to reduce the workload on the heart. Reduced levels of activity and a low-salt diet also reduce the heart's workload, allowing it to heal.

If myocarditis has not damaged the heart too much, only medicines and follow-up visits to the doctor may be needed. Patients with more damage may need to limit some activities and take medicines for the rest of their lives. For those who have very severe damage to their heart, a heart transplant or ventricular assist device may be needed.