University of São Paulo study shows commonness of Myocarditis in women, youth, and children

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, called the myocardium, and occurs when the immune system causes inflammation in response to an infection or some other factor.

Cardiologist Minna Moreira Dias Romano, professor at the Department of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto at USP (FMRP-USP), explains that the main symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations, fluid retention and cardiac arrhythmias .

Myocarditis is a disease more common in women, young people and children. Any virus can cause the disease, including the dengue virus.

Treatment
Treatment for myocarditis is usually done at home, with rest to avoid overworking the heart.

However, it is also necessary to properly treat the infection present at the origin of the myocarditis and it may be necessary to take antibiotics, antifungals or antivirals. Treatment may also include medications to regulate the heartbeat and improve heart muscle function.

Echocardiography is the most indicated exam for the evaluation of myocarditis. In very rare cases, a biopsy of the heart muscle is requested through a catheterization, however, there is a risk of death, as it is an invasive test.