Inflammatory heart disease is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscles and surrounding tissue as the result of an infection. The infection may be of a bacterial or viral nature or from an internal abnormality. It may manifest in instances of rheumatic fever and kawasaki disease. The condition may be distinguished as either pericarditis, endocarditis, or myocarditis.

Endocarditis

Endocarditis refers specifically to infection of the endocardium or inner lining of the heart resulting in inflammation. It will be initiated when pathogens invade the bloodstream and fix themselves unto degenerated areas of the heart. If is not treated promptly it may destroy the heart valves and may also develop into a life- threatening condition. The condition does not usually affect individuals with healthy hearts. The most prominent risk factor is having a damaged or artificial heart valve or any other underlying heart defect.

Symptoms

The condition may develop unexpectedly or may be gradual in progression dependent on the specific type of infection or related heart defect.

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue or Extreme tiredness
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Fever and chills
  • Sudden or unexplained weight loss
  • Heart murmurs (abnormal sounds coming from the heart)
  • A pale complexion
  • Areas of red tender spots beneath the skin of the fingers.
  • Persistent coughing
  • Oedema (swelling of the feet and abdomen)
  • Night sweats
  • Tenderness below the rib cage coming from the spleen
  • Blood in the urine
  • Visible purple or red spots in the mouth on the skin or on the whites of the eyes

Though these symptoms are similar to those experienced in other non-critical conditions it is still essential to contact a doctor once a few of these symptoms are evident especially in association with another heart condition.

High Risk Groups

  • Persons with artificial valves. Artificial valves are more prone to be attacked by pathogens especially within the first year of acquiring the valve.
  • Suffering from a congenital birth defect means the heart is more susceptible to infection.
  • Previous damage to the heart valve will make developing the condition more probable.
  • Intravenous drug users are at a heightened risk of developing the condition because of sharing potentially contaminated needles that may contain the bacteria responsible for inducing the condition.

Diagnosis

  • Blood tests will be carried out to identify the source of bacterial infection.
  • An echocardiogram will be used so to determine the extent of damage to the valves.
  • An ECG or electrocardiogram and x-ray will be performed assess the heart’s condition.
  • CT computerized tomography or MRI magnetic resonance imaging scan may also be performed to pinpoint damage to any other areas of the body.

Treatments

Treatment will generally include the administering of antibiotics in more controllable cases and surgery in cases where there is valve damage or a persistent infection.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is characterized by inflammation of the pericardium.

There are many instances where pericarditis manifests without a discernible cause however there are some factors will induce the condition including:

  • Previous injury to the heart from heart attack, trauma and heart surgery
  • Connective tissue disease including sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • A detrimental reaction to a certain type of medication
  • Metabolic disorders especially hypothyroidism and uremia (kidney failure)
  • Tumours and cancers
  • Viral and bacterial infections

Symptoms

  • The primary symptom is frequently chest pain and is usually described as a piercing severe pain that extends from the chest area to the shoulder blades, neck and back. There may also be pain close to the diaphragm that radiates to the back. Deep inhalation will likely worsen the chest pain. It is also aggravated when lying flat and is generally alleviated by leaning forward.
  • Pain may be apparent when swallowing if the inflammation is near the oesophagus.
  • Fever may be present if the pericarditis is induced by an infection.

Diagnosing Pericarditis

Diagnosis will begin with an assessment of the type of pain being experienced by the patient. A stethoscope will be use to identify a pericardial friction rub. However this does not always work because the sound may not be consistent.

To complete the diagnosis an ECG electrocardiogram, chest x-ray and ultrasound of the heart will be carried out.

A blood test may be done to discover any other underlying conditions that may have induced pericarditis.

Treatments

The basic treatment involves the administering of anti-inflammatory medications. Ibuprofen and drugs of that kind may be used to allow the inflammation to subside. A narcotic pain medication may also be prescribed. Pericardiocentesis may be carried out to rid the sac of extra fluid.

Myocarditis

Myocarditis is considered any inflammation of the heart muscle. It is caused by multiple infections that may include viruses like sarcoidosis, and immune diseases. The infection is usually caused by a virus which will attack the heart muscle resulting in local inflammation. Once the infection is controlled the immune response will be lasting, therefore increasing the length of time myocarditis will affect the heart.

Symptoms

It can sometimes be an asymptomatic condition. However, the most likely symptom is chest pain. In intense cases the disease may deteriorate the heart muscle. It is consequently probable for it to lead to heart failure which will produce symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, oedema or swelling, fatigue among others

Diagnosis

It will be discerned by using customary methods of diagnostics. ECG or electrocardiogram will be used to perceive abnormalities with the heartbeat. MRI or magnetic resonance imaging tests will be utilized to identify heart muscle irregularities. Blood tests will be completed to check for infection and possible increase in heart muscle enzymes.

Prognosis

It is not easy to decipher at the outset of the disease how much an individual will recover. Some persons recover quickly and entirely while others may be afflicted with chronic heart failure due to extensive damage to the heart muscles. In rare instances an individual may develop fulminant heart failure which is critical and may lead to death if a heart transplant is not done. If the muscle damage is great then a defibrillator may be implanted in the heart to improve the heart’s overall effectiveness.