Myocarditis: Identifying Symptoms, Exploring Causes, and Natural Solutions

Myocarditis is a cardiovascular condition caused by inflammation of the heart muscle that can lead to serious long-term health complications.  

While severe cases require medical treatment, mild forms of myocarditis may potentially be managed with natural remedies in combination with beneficial dietary and lifestyle changes. 

Discover the common causes and symptoms of myocarditis and explore natural solutions to promote healthy heart muscle function. 

What is myocarditis?

Myocarditis is caused by inflammation of the myocardium, also known as the heart muscle. This can affect the heart’s ability to contract properly and pump blood efficiently, which can lead to various health issues and complications.

Acute myocarditis can develop suddenly, while chronic inflammatory cardiomyopathy is a long-term condition linked to ongoing heart inflammation.

Mild forms of myocarditis can often be reversed or significantly improved with appropriate treatment and management.

However, severe myocarditis can cause fibrous scar tissue around the heart muscle, which is associated with an increased risk of irregular heartbeats, blood clots, and a higher likelihood of experiencing a heart attack.

In rare cases, inflammation of the heart muscle is caused by an autoimmune condition known as giant cell myocarditis, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks heart muscle tissue.

This often aggressive form of myocarditis typically requires urgent treatment and may necessitate a heart transplant due to an increased risk of heart failure. 

There has been growing public interest in myocardium inflammation, especially regarding its possible connection to certain vaccinations and an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis, where inflammation affects both the heart muscle and the surrounding sac. 

Watch the video below to discover some of the best remedies for myocarditis. 

Symptoms of myocarditis

Symptoms of myocarditis can vary in severity, ranging from mild discomfort to more serious signs of heart dysfunction and circulatory issues.

According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), some of the most common myocarditis symptoms include:

• Unexplained chest pain 

• Shortness of breath

• Fast breathing patterns

• Heart palpitations 

• Lethargy 

• Irritability 

In addition, myocardial inflammation can also cause fever, dizziness, and swollen hands, feet, and ankles in some individuals. 

If left untreated, myocarditis can lead to heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, and the development of blood clots, which significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart attacks. 

This highlights the importance of early detection and appropriate medical intervention to manage symptoms and prevent long-term heart muscle damage.

What causes myocarditis?

Research published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine reports that viral infections, including influenza, SARS-Covid, parvovirus, and human herpes virus, can invade the heart muscle and are one of the most common causes of myocarditis. 

When pathogens such as viruses proliferate in heart muscle tissue, immune responses trigger inflammatory processes, leading to swelling, inflammation, and damage to the myocardium. 

Although less common, bacterial and fungal infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Candida albicans have also been linked to the development of heart muscle inflammation.

In some cases, myocarditis is triggered by autoimmune reactions, which explains why individuals with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn’s disease appear at greater risk of myocarditis. 

Exposure to specific toxins, alcohol, and drugs such as cocaine can also contribute to the development of myocarditis. It’s believed that these substances may directly damage heart tissue or provoke inflammatory responses affecting the myocardium.

Risk factors for myocarditis

Myocarditis is relatively rare, affecting approximately 10 to 20 individuals per 100,000 people annually in the US.

While myocarditis can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or overall health status, certain people are at increased risk of developing this condition. 

These risk factors have been linked to myocarditis:

• Genetic predisposition 

• Autoimmune diseases

• Chronic-inflammatory conditions

• Alcohol or drug abuse

• Chemotherapy treatment 

• Young male adults 

• Recent COVID-19 vaccination 

Natural alternatives for myocarditis

Conventional myocarditis treatment typically involves corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, and heart medications if needed.

While these treatments are critical for individuals with severe myocarditis, those with mild cases may benefit from supporting the body’s natural anti-inflammatory and healing processes capacities with various natural remedies. 

Here are four natural alternatives for myocarditis. 

1. Japanese knotweed

While Japanese knotweed is classified as an invasive weed species, it does have impressive medicinal properties due to its exceptionally high concentrations of resveratrol. 

A study published in PLOS ONE found that resveratrol has the potential to alleviate toxin-related myocardial damage and significantly reduce inflammation in heart muscle tissue by modulating various inflammatory pathways and promoting cellular repair processes.

2. Tocotrienols

Tocotrienols are a group of compounds belonging to the vitamin E family. Compared to tocopherols, commonly found in over-the-counter multivitamins, tocotrienols are significantly better absorbed and more bioactive, making them one of the best types of vitamin E. 

Research published in Nutrition and Metabolism indicates that tocotrienols possess cardioprotective properties and have been shown to reduce inflammation-related heart tissue damage.

In addition, tocotrienols may help lower the risk of circulatory issues, stroke, and cardiac arrest, all of which are health conditions linked to myocarditis.

3. Olive leaf extract 

Olive leaf extract contains high concentrations of oleuropein, a polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Evidence published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine suggests that oleuropein can act on heart muscle tissue and may help protect the myocardium, reduce inflammatory markers, and stimulate myocardial cell renewal.

While these findings have yet to be fully confirmed in human studies, they offer valuable insight into the potential therapeutic role of olive leaf extract in managing myocarditis-related cardiovascular issues.

4. Cardiotrophin PMG

Cardiotrophin PMG is a dietary supplement that contains nucleotides and peptides extracted from desiccated bovine heart tissue. 

It has been suggested that these specific compounds may help support and maintain the normal function of heart cells by providing targeted nutrients and aiding in the regeneration and repair of cardiac tissue.

Cardiotrophin PMG may benefit individuals with autoimmune-related myocarditis as the intake of these compounds may redirect immune response away from attacking heart tissue, potentially reducing inflammation within the myocardium.

However, it’s important to understand that the claims surrounding Cardiotrophin PMG currently lack rigorous scientific validation, and more research is needed to confirm the potential benefits of this supplement.

If you are considering incorporating Cardiotrophin PMG or any other supplement or herbal remedy into your routine, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they’re safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.

Living with myocarditis: diet, exercise, and fasting tips

Living with myocarditis involves making informed choices about diet, exercise, and fasting, which can play a crucial role in managing symptoms and enhancing overall heart health.

Here are some of the best diet, exercise, and fasting tips for myocarditis.

1. Follow a nutritious low-carb diet 

Dietary carbohydrates not only cause weight gain linked to poor cardiovascular health, but they also trigger and perpetuate chronic inflammation, making them a significant contributor to various heart-related issues. 

Following a nutritious low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto® limits carbohydrates and sugars while focusing on nutrient-rich, high-quality foods, including non-GMO organic vegetables, grass-fed beef, full-fat organic dairy and eggs, and wild-caught fish.

This dietary pattern helps reduce inflammation and offers plenty of essential nutrients critical for heart function, healing processes, and cellular regeneration. 

Interestingly, a study published in Communications Biology found that the ketogenic diet (KD) has shown the potential to mitigate myocardial inflammation linked to SARS-Covid infections.  

The authors conclude, “A KD primes the myocardium to anticipate metabolic changes induced by the virus by counteracting nucleotide, amino acid, and lipid metabolism alterations caused by the viral infection.”

2. Avoid strenuous exercise 

Individuals with myocarditis should avoid all types of strenuous exercise as this can place excessive strain on an already inflamed heart, potentially worsening the condition and increasing the risk of serious complications.

Slow walks or gentle stretching exercises may be safe and beneficial for maintaining circulatory health and mobility. However, it’s critical to discuss any exercise routine with a medical professional to ensure it’s appropriate and won’t place additional stress on the heart muscle.

3. Practice intermittent fasting 

Intermittent fasting is a mealtime schedule that alternates between periods of fasting and time-restricted eating windows. 

When not focused on digesting and metabolizing foods, the body can activate repair mechanisms, including autophagy, where damaged and dysfunctional cells and cellular components are broken down and recycled. 

Fasting-induced autophagy can help reduce inflammation, improve cellular health, and aid recovery, making intermittent fasting especially beneficial for those with inflammatory health issues such as myocarditis.

When to talk to your doctor

It’s critical to consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned about your heart health or are experiencing symptoms of myocarditis, such as chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath. 

To evaluate heart function and diagnose myocarditis, your doctor will likely perform a physical examination in combination with blood tests and other diagnostic tools such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and echograms.

If you have myocarditis and experience a worsening of symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately, as this may signal a serious cardiovascular complication.

Key takeaways

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of myocarditis are crucial for improving cardiovascular function and minimizing the risk of long-term heart damage. 

Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle by adopting a nutritious low-carb diet, avoiding strenuous exercise, and practicing intermittent fasting can support recovery and heart function.

In addition, natural remedies, including Japanese knotweed, tocotrienols, olive leaf extract, and Cardiotrophin PMG, may help reduce heart muscle inflammation and promote overall cardiac health. 

FAQ

1. How common is myocarditis?

Myocarditis is a serious but rare condition that affects around 0.02 percent of the Western population, meaning that approximately 20 out of every 100,000 individuals may be diagnosed with it each year.

2. What does myocarditis feel like?

Symptoms of myocarditis typically include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart palpitations. In some cases, it can also cause fever, body aches, joint pain, and swelling in the legs or abdomen.

3. Is myocarditis life-threatening?

Severe cases of myocarditis can be life-threatening as an inflamed heart muscle can significantly impair the body’s ability to pump blood effectively. This can result in serious complications such as arrhythmia, heart failure, and blood clot formation.

4. Can you recover from myocarditis? 

Yes, it's possible to recover from myocarditis with appropriate medical care and beneficial dietary and lifestyle changes, including following a nutritious low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto®, practicing intermittent fasting, and avoiding strenuous physical activity. 

5. What is the survival rate for myocarditis?

The survival rate for myocarditis is reported at around 90 percent, with many people experiencing complete recovery. 

However, those with a severe myocarditis diagnosis, in combination with poor cardiovascular health, may have a lower survival rate due to an increased risk of long-term complications, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.

6. How is myocarditis diagnosed? 

Myocarditis is typically diagnosed through a combination of blood tests and other diagnostic tools such as electrocardiograms, echograms, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Sources

1. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/myocarditis.html 

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9250986/ 

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3718737/ 

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5775572/

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5192255/

6. https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05478-7