About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Inflammation Symptoms
Introduction
Heart inflammation, also known as myocarditis, pericarditis, or endocarditis, is a serious condition that can affect the heart muscle, the outer lining of the heart, or the inner lining and valves. Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for timely intervention.
Types of Heart Inflammation and Their Symptoms
1. Myocarditis (Inflammation of the Heart Muscle)
Common Symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath (especially during activity or while lying down)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet due to fluid buildup
Possible Causes:
- Viral infections (e.g., Coxsackievirus, COVID-19)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Reactions to medications or toxins
2. Pericarditis (Inflammation of the Outer Lining of the Heart)
Common Symptoms:
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens when lying down or breathing deeply
- Fever
- Heart palpitations
- Feeling weak or fatigued
Possible Causes:
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Post-heart attack or post-surgery inflammation
3. Endocarditis (Inflammation of the Inner Lining and Heart Valves)
Common Symptoms:
- Fever, chills, and night sweats
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Unexplained weight loss
- Skin rashes or small red/purple spots on the skin (petechiae)
Possible Causes:
- Bacterial infections entering the bloodstream and affecting the heart valves
- Dental infections, surgical procedures, or IV drug use
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience: - Severe chest pain that does not improve - Shortness of breath - Irregular or rapid heartbeat - Unexplained fever lasting more than a few days - Signs of swelling in your legs or feet
Conclusion
Heart inflammation is a severe condition that requires immediate medical evaluation and treatment. Early recognition and intervention can prevent complications like heart failure or permanent damage.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Myocarditis
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2024.10.080
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.120.007405
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/myocarditis
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.123.031454
- https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/08/22/covid-19-infection-poses-higher-risk-for-myocarditis-than-vaccines
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Infections
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Cardiovascular-Diseases-during-Pregnancy-Management-of
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/publications/PREGN%20Guidelines-Pregnancy-FT.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001187
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Information on Myocarditis and Pericarditis
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/myocarditis.html
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2788346
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/covid-19.html
- https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/123014/cdc_123014_DS1.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.