Myocarditis and pericarditis are types of heart inflammation. Myocarditis affects the middle layer of heart muscle, and pericarditis only affects the heart’s outer lining.
Myocarditis and pericarditis symptoms have some overlap, but there are differences. Pericarditis tends to cause more severe chest pain, while myocarditis causes fatigue and shortness of breath.
This article compares myocarditis and pericarditis symptoms as well as the similarities and differences in their causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Myocarditis and pericarditis are both types of inflammation that affect the heart or its surrounding structures.
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, or the myocardium, which is
In around
The symptoms of myocarditis and pericarditis can vary significantly depending on the inflammation’s severity. Some people may only have mild symptoms. For others, these conditions become life threatening.
The symptoms of myocarditis can
- chest pain or discomfort
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- heart palpitations
- difficulty breathing when lying down
- lightheadedness and weakness
- fainting
If the cause of myocarditis is an infection, other symptoms may include flu-like symptoms, such as fever or general malaise. These symptoms
In severe cases, people can develop fulminant myocarditis. It causes a rapid decline in heart function.
In contrast, the main symptom of pericarditis is chest pain. This pain
- worsen when a person inhales
- improve when a person sits up and leans forward
- radiate across the chest
People with both myocarditis and pericarditis may have a mixture of both types of pain as well as shortness of breath and other myocarditis symptoms.
Anyone experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath should seek
Various factors can trigger myocarditis, such as:
- infections
- autoimmune conditions
- certain medications
- venom from animal or insect bites
- exposure to certain chemicals, such as hydrocarbons
- injury
However, in around
Pericarditis has many of the same potential causes, including infections and injury. Other potential causes include:
- cancer
- connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Behçet disease
- metabolic conditions, such as uremia and myxedema
- amyloidosis
However, unlike myocarditis, the cause of acute pericarditis is very often unclear. Up to
While many types of infection can cause either myocarditis or pericarditis, some are especially prevalent. They include:
- coxsackie viruses
- echovirus
- parvovirus 19
- adenovirus
- Epstein-Barr virus
COVID-19 can also cause either myocarditis or pericarditis. A
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of myocarditis was 1–10 cases in 100,000 people. After the pandemic, the incidence increased to 150–4,000 cases per 100,000 people.
People can also develop myocarditis or pericarditis following the COVID-19 vaccine. However, these cases are
Diagnosing myocarditis or pericarditis involves a comprehensive assessment by a doctor. Typically, the process begins with a doctor taking a detailed medical history. They will ask about symptoms and potential risk factors.
Next, they may conduct physical examinations, such as listening to the heart and lungs. Blood tests may help assess inflammation levels and detect any underlying infections.
A specific blood test for troponin can also indicate if the heart lacks blood flow or could have tissue damage, which may help doctors diagnose myocarditis.
Advanced diagnostic tools play a crucial role in confirming these conditions. Electrocardiograms can assess heart rhythm. Imaging tests such as echocardiograms provide detailed images of the heart’s structure and function.
Doctors may use MRI or CT scans too. An MRI may show soft tissue swelling around the heart, which can confirm a diagnosis.
The treatment for
In cases where infections are the trigger, doctors may prescribe antiviral or antimicrobial medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids, can help reduce inflammation. Colchicine may also help with pericarditis.
A person may need to stay in the hospital in more severe cases of myocarditis or pericarditis, or if complications arise. Doctors may use interventions such as draining excess fluid from the pericardial sac to relieve pressure on the heart. If myocarditis results in heart failure, there are also medications to help treat it.
Recovery from either myocarditis or pericarditis can take time. Rest and gradual rehabilitation are important at this stage.
In some cases, mild forms of myocarditis or pericarditis
Depending on the underlying cause, myocarditis or pericarditis could worsen or become chronic without treatment.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about myocarditis versus pericarditis.
Which is worse?
Comparing the severity of myocarditis and pericarditis is challenging. Both conditions can range from mild to life threatening depending on the cause.
That said, the overall outlook of acute pericarditis is
However, because myocarditis can vary so much in severity and the underlying cause, the prognosis also varies case by case.
Does myocarditis or pericarditis affect life expectancy?
With treatment, myocarditis and pericarditis usually do not significantly affect life expectancy, but this can depend on whether the conditions cause any long-term complications.
Some people may need ongoing medications or other treatment if the inflammation harms heart function.
Can the heart fully recover?
In many cases, people can fully recover from myocarditis or pericarditis. It can take time, though.
The recovery process depends on various factors, including the underlying cause, the severity of inflammation, and how well the person and their condition respond to treatment.
Myocarditis and pericarditis are types of inflammation. While myocarditis only affects the heart muscle, pericarditis affects the lining around the heart. People can have just one or both conditions at the same time.
Myocarditis and pericarditis have similar causes and share some of the same symptoms. However, pericarditis tends to cause more severe chest pain. Myocarditis causes shortness of breath and fatigue.
Many people recover fully from both conditions, but it can take time and treatment. Anyone experiencing unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath should seek medical attention right away.