How to Manage Myocarditis

Myocarditis is a serious heart condition that involves the inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscle of the heart walls. Even though Myocarditis does not affect a tremendous amount of individuals and is usually a mild condition caused by a virus, it is still a serious condition that needs to be treated carefully. Physician care of this disease is focused on helping the patient to manage the symptoms, but also is aimed at targeting the disease as a whole.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription medications from your doctor
• Any oxygen you may be required to have

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Instructions

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss how you should manage Myocarditis if you have not already done so. At the scheduled appointment, your doctor should prescribe any needed medications and give you directions in order to help you manage this disease.

• 2

  Fill any prescription medications immediately after the appointment with your physician by taking them to a local pharmacy. Some medications that may be prescribed by a physician for Myocarditis conditions include Antibiotic medication for any bacterial infections, Diuretic prescriptions to rid the body of any excess water or fluid, and any anti-inflammatory drugs that may be needed.

• 3

  Take all of your prescription medications on a daily or regular basis as prescribed by a doctor to treat your Myocarditis condition. Using a weekly or daily pill divider can help one to remember which pills need to be taken at what time.

• 4

  Limit your sodium intake by following a strict low- or no-sodium diet. A high sodium diet will only exacerbate Myocarditis symptoms, such as chest pain or Arrhythmia, and create extra work for the heart. Examples of high sodium foods to avoid include canned meats and soups, bacon, and any pre-packaged dinner meals (i.e. tv dinners).

• 5

  Use your supplemental oxygen tank on a daily basis as directed if prescribed by your doctor.

• 6

  Get plenty of bed rest daily by not only making sure that you get plenty of rest and sleep each night, but also devoting time out of your day to relax. Relaxation can include simply having time by yourself or practicing other techniques of relaxation exercises, such as meditation or progressive relaxation techniques.

• 7

  Limit your daily physical activities and routines to a minimum, especially during the acute Myocarditis stage of your condition. Physical activities can be discussed with your doctor, but some activities to limit or avoid include heavy lifting, running, and anything that would put a mild-to-severe strain on the heart (i.e. pushing a lawn mower, moving heavy furniture, etc.).