Heart inflammation after COVID-19: Signs and treatment – Medical News Today

In some cases, COVID-19 leads to pericarditis, which is inflammation of the sack-like membrane containing the heart. COVID-19 can also cause myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle.

Both pericarditis and myocarditis are rare overall, but the number of cases began to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sometimes, both conditions occur at the same time. This is known as myopericarditis.

Researchers are still trying to understand why COVID-19 can result in this complication. However, prompt treatment with rest and medications to reduce inflammation can lead to a full recovery.

This article explores heart inflammation after COVID-19, including the symptoms and treatment options.

Yes, COVID-19 has links to heart inflammation, specifically to pericarditis and myocarditis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that, between March 2020 and January 2021, myocarditis occurred in 150 per 100,000 people who spent time in hospital with COVID-19 compared with 9 per 100,000 people without COVID-19.

A 2022 study found that among 159 people people who spent time in hospital with COVID-19, 1 in 8 had myocarditis 2860 days later. The risk was significantly higher in severely ill individuals who required a ventilator or intensive care support. The majority of the study participants had not had vaccinations.

Not all studies have found that myocarditis is this common, though. A 2023 study in the United Kingdom found a rate of probable myocarditis of 6.7% in people who had hospital treatment for COVID-19, compared with 1.7% in people without COVID-19.

The virus that causes COVID-19 may attack cells in the heart directly, causing inflammation. The immune response to the virus could also cause inflammation.

Heart inflammation after COVID-19 may occur on its own or as part of a group of lingering symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the initial infection, known as long COVID.

Learn more about long COVID.

COVID-19 can cause or exacerbate various heart problems besides inflammation of the heart muscle and lining, including:

A 2023 study followed a group of more than 7,500 individuals who developed COVID-19 in 2020. The authors noted that these individuals were more likely to develop heart disease than people who never developed COVID-19 over the following 18 months.

Studies into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on heart health are still ongoing.

The symptoms of myocarditis and pericarditis can vary from mild to life threatening.

Symptoms of myocarditis can include:

In pericarditis, the main symptom is chest pain, which is often severe.

The pain is typically behind the breastbone in the center of the chest but may radiate across the chest. Some people find that the pain is worse when they inhale and better when they lean forward.

Diagnosing heart inflammation after COVID-19 typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

Healthcare professionals may:

The treatment of myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 may vary depending on the severity of the condition and other factors.

General treatment approaches include:

Close monitoring by a healthcare professional is essential to track a persons progress and adjust treatment as necessary.

The outlook for most people with myocarditis or pericarditis is favorable.

Most people who develop pericarditis make a complete recovery, and those with myocarditis also usually have a good outlook.

However, the recovery process takes time and may last several months. During this time, it is important that people:

After treatment, people will need to attend regular follow-up visits to ensure their condition is improving. They will also need to continue taking any medications as prescribed.

Occasionally, myocarditis and pericarditis have a delayed onset. Depending on the cause, the conditions can come back again in the future. It is currently unclear whether COVID-19 can cause this.

People will need to contact a doctor if any symptoms return.

COVID-19 can cause heart inflammation, such as myocarditis or pericarditis. These conditions are rare overall but more common in those who have had COVID-19 than those who have not.

Myocarditis and pericarditis can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness. These symptoms can also be similar to those of a heart attack. If a person is in any doubt about their condition, it is important to seek medical advice right away to determine whether they are experiencing a medical emergency.

Treatment strategies include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain relief. Recovery can take time, but most people will make a full recovery.

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Heart inflammation after COVID-19: Signs and treatment - Medical News Today