What are the factors that cause myocarditis and how to provide daily care?

Myocarditis refers to localized or diffuse inflammation of the myocardium caused by various reasons. It can also be divided into acute, subacute or chronic, and is generally divided into two categories: infectious and non-infectious. One of the most common causes of myocarditis is viral infection, such as enterovirus including Coxsackie A and B viruses, orphan (EcHo) virus, polio virus, etc., of which Coxsackie B virus accounts for about 30% to 50%. In addition, human adenovirus, influenza, rubella, herpes simplex, encephalitis, hepatitis (A, B, C) virus and HIV can all cause myocarditis; bacterial infection may also cause myocarditis, such as streptococcus, rickettsia, syphilis spirochete, etc. Other causes of myocarditis include excessive exercise, radiation exposure, allergic reactions, etc.

Clinical manifestations of myocarditis:

Chest pain: This may be a constant pain or pressure in the chest and may sometimes resemble angina.

Shortness of breath: During an acute attack of myocarditis, the patient may feel short of breath or have difficulty breathing.

Fatigue: When the disease lasts for more than 6 months, the patient may feel extremely tired, chest tightness, palpitations, etc., and may not be able to recover energy even after rest, and the discomfort after exercise will be aggravated.

Fever: Patients with myocarditis may have a low-grade or high fever 1-3 weeks before the onset of the disease, depending on the degree of inflammation.

Other heart-related symptoms: including arrhythmia, syncope, heart murmur, etc.

How to do daily care?

In the treatment and care of myocarditis, not only myocarditis should be considered, but also the primary disease, such as new coronavirus infection, should be treated.

1. Closely monitor the condition

The most important point in daily care of myocarditis is to closely observe the condition and continuously monitor the heart rate, which can help doctors assess the severity of the disease and take appropriate treatment measures; pay attention to changes in blood pressure, body temperature, respiration and mental state. Increased body temperature may be caused by infection and inflammation, and abnormal respiratory status may indicate that myocarditis has caused lung problems, such as congestive heart failure. For patients with severe arrhythmias, continuous ECG monitoring is required. If any symptoms worsen or change, especially acute symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, changes in consciousness, etc., you should seek medical help immediately.

2. Get enough rest

Adequate sleep can reduce myocardial oxygen consumption and promote myocardial function recovery. The length of rest time should be adjusted individually according to the patient's specific situation. In the acute phase, the patient should rest for at least three to four weeks after the fever subsides. Those with heart failure must rest in bed. The rest time generally lasts for 3-6 months. After the heart function returns to normal, the amount of activity can be gradually increased.

3.Diet care

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce free radical damage to the heart and promotes heart health. Fruits such as oranges and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and can be a good choice for patients with myocarditis. Amino acids are the components of protein and are essential for myocardial repair and recovery. Foods such as lean meat, eggs, fish and soybeans are rich in amino acids, which help provide the body with the protein it needs and promote myocardial repair and recovery. Excessive salt and fat intake may increase the burden on the heart and have a negative impact on heart health. Therefore, patients with myocarditis should limit the intake of salt and high-fat foods and choose healthy sources of fat, such as olive oil, fish oil, etc. In addition, avoid excessive drinking and drinking coffee, and the principle of diet is to be light and maintain regular eating habits.

4. Medication

Take the medicine according to the doctor's prescribed plan and follow the doctor's instructions. Do not change the medicine or increase or decrease the dosage at will. If side effects occur, communicate with the doctor in time. When performing intravenous infusion, strictly control the infusion speed and amount to avoid increasing the burden on the heart.

5. Prevent infection

Patients, their families and caregivers should pay attention to hygiene and wash their hands thoroughly, especially after touching food, using the toilet, and before and after handling wounds or instruments. Patients with myocarditis should try to avoid contact with known sources of infection, such as patients with viral colds or influenza. People in close contact should wear masks and avoid sharing items such as tableware and cups with patients. Try to avoid going to crowded places, especially during the flu season or in areas with infectious disease outbreaks, to prevent secondary infection.

6. Psychological care

Myocarditis may cause anxiety, depression and other negative emotions in patients. Therefore, providing emotional support and listening to patients' feelings are essential for their mental health. Nurses can guide patients to relieve stress, such as meditation and relaxation training. Patients should pay attention to self-care, including good sleep, healthy diet, moderate exercise and regular medical examinations, maintain a good attitude, and actively cooperate with medical staff for treatment. Excessive worry and fear will only have adverse effects on the disease and delay recovery progress.

In short, the causes of myocarditis are complex and diverse, and patients need to strictly follow the doctor's treatment plan. Through comprehensive treatment and good daily care, patients can improve their quality of life and promote physical recovery. (Sun Jing, Lingshou County People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province)