Acute myocarditis
Acute myocarditis is a sudden inflammation, or swelling, of the heart muscle that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood.
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Your heart is a powerful muscle that acts as a pump for your entire body. Acute myocarditis is a condition where that heart muscle becomes inflamed, which is your body’s natural response to an injury or infection. When the muscle swells up, it can weaken the heart and make it difficult for it to pump blood properly to your organs.
This condition is usually triggered by a virus that has moved from another part of your body into your heart. While this sounds scary, many people recover fully with the right care and rest. Your medical team will focus on reducing the strain on your heart while your body fights off the infection.
Common Symptoms
- Chest pain that may feel like a sharp ache or pressure.
- Shortness of breath, especially when you are active or lying flat.
- Feeling like your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping a beat, known as palpitations.
- Extreme tiredness or feeling exhausted even without physical effort.
- Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet due to fluid buildup.