The coronary heart is one in all our very important organs, and the first organ of the circulatory system that works to pump blood across the physique.

It additionally controls the rhythm and velocity of your coronary heart charge and maintains your blood pressure.

Therefore, any issues with the guts may be probably harmful and have an effect on the entire physique.

Many heart issues may be linked again to way of life habits, with poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking all linked to danger elements akin to high cholesterol and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

However, there may be one illness that impacts the guts that may be past our management.

Myocarditis causes irritation of the guts muscle, and is often introduced on by an an infection within the physique akin to a chilly, flu and even Covid.

While many sufferers make a full restoration, it will probably additionally result in scarring and harm to the organ.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) explains: “Myocarditis can develop suddenly (acutely), can be recurring or it can be long-lasting (chronic).

“Most people will recover without any lasting effects. But in rare cases, if the inflammation is severe, myocarditis can scar the heart muscle.

“This damage means the heart has to work harder to pump blood and oxygen around the body.

“In some cases, this can result in the heart muscle becoming bigger, and over time, weaker.”

If you suppose you may have myocarditis it will be significant you search medical assist as quickly as doable to forestall or minimise harm to the guts.

According to the BHF there are eight widespread signs to look out for.

These embrace:

• Chest ache or discomfort, or a sense of tightness within the chest
• Shortness of breath, both at relaxation or when energetic, or in sure positions, akin to mendacity down
• Unusual tiredness
• Palpitations (like your coronary heart is fluttering, racing, or pounding) 
• An irregular heartbeat
• Feeling light-headed or fainting
• Flu-like signs akin to excessive temperature, complications, physique aches, joint ache, or sore throat 
• Swelling in fingers, legs, ankles or ft. 

The BHF says: “If you think you have symptoms of myocarditis, contact your doctor straight away, or call NHS 111.

“Getting diagnosed and treated early can help you feel better and lower your risk of long-term complications from myocarditis.”

However, in some instances folks received’t expertise signs and will probably be picked up throughout a routine examination.

Causes of myocarditis

The BHF warns that the commonest reason behind the illness is a virus, such because the flu or COVID-19, or one other viral an infection.

“When myocarditis is caused by a virus, symptoms can start to show one or two weeks later,” it says.

“This is because the immune system, the body’s own natural defence system, overreacts to being infected with a virus, and causes inflammation.

“This inflammation can stay in the heart even after the virus has gone.”

However, different causes embrace:

• Bacterial infections, akin to sore throat, or chest an infection, or fungal infections, akin to athlete’s foot
• Autoimmune ailments (when your personal immune system assaults your physique), for instance lupus
• A response to dangerous substances (toxins), akin to carbon monoxide, or medication akin to cocaine
• A response to sure medicines or vaccines.