No, strenuous exercise is harmful during acute myocarditis, requiring 3-6 months of rest to prevent severe damage, but light, tailored activity may aid recovery later, under strict cardiologist supervision, as the heart heals, with guidelines evolving to support supervised, graded reconditioning. While rest is critical initially, moderate exercise might benefit immune function and recovery long-term, though extreme exertion can be detrimental, making careful reintroduction essential.
Adopting a balanced diet helps reduce inflammation and promotes cardiovascular health, while regular, light exercise can help improve circulation. Together, these lifestyle changes can aid in the recovery process and help manage symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath.
A critical look at current RTP recommendations
1 These considerations have led experts to prudently advise that people should avoid vigorous exercise and be excluded from competitive sport for at least 3 months following a diagnosis of myocarditis, irrespective of age, sex or the initial severity of disease.
How do I take care of myself with myocarditis?
Most cases of myocarditis are self-resolving. Other cases recover several months after you receive treatment. In some cases, this condition can recur and can cause symptoms related to inflammation such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, usually following a virus. Some people have no symptoms, but it can cause chest pains, palpitations and shortness of breath. After treatment, most people recover and can live their normal lives.
“Aerobic exercise and resistance training are the most important for heart health,” says Johns Hopkins exercise physiologist Kerry J. Stewart, Ed.
Exertional symptoms include exercise intolerance/fatigue, palpitations/tachycardia, or presyncope with return to exercise. The disease can present at any age, but it is most frequently diagnosed in young adults.
Infections can cause myocarditis. Viruses. Many viruses have been linked to myocarditis, including the adenovirus, which causes the common cold; the COVID-19 virus; viruses that cause hepatitis B and C; parvovirus, which causes a mild rash, usually in children; and herpes simplex virus.
Walking faster decreased the risk of obesity and inflammation, which, in turn, reduced the risk of arrhythmia,” said Jill Pell, a University of Glasgow professor who led the research.
Current guidelines recommend abstinence from moderate to high physical activity for 3–6 months following a diagnosis of myocarditis (Pelliccia et al., 2020).
People with mild myocarditis may only need rest and medicine. If myocarditis is severe, medicines may be given through an IV at a hospital to quickly improve the heart's ability to pump blood. Medicine to treat myocarditis may include: Corticosteroids.
Flying with myocarditis can lead to serious complications, requiring urgent care midair. It may even lead to death, especially in cases of severe myocarditis.
Medications
Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent choices, as they provide essential amino acids for muscle repair while contributing beneficial omega-3 fatty acids to the diet.
Decreasing physical activity: Avoid rigorous athletic activities like heavy lifting or competitive sports for some time, often 3-6 months, to allow the heart to heal. Adjusting your diet: Eat heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and salmon.
Although definite data is lacking, highly trained athletes seem to be at higher risk of developing myocarditis [1].
Stress cardiomyopathy is a condition caused by intense emotional or physical stress leading to rapid and severe reversible cardiac dysfunction. It mimics myocardial infarction with changes in the electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, but without any obstructive coronary artery disease.
Milder cases may have little or no fatigue. However, increased rest is a good idea regardless - often, being too active early in the illness can increase the severity and duration of symptoms. Increase your fluids: Mono can lead to mild (or even severe) dehydration due to fluid losses from fever and cough.
In some individuals, long-term excessive endurance ET may cause adverse structural and electrical cardiac remodeling, including fibrosis and stiffening of the atria, RV, and large arteries.
Severe Cases and Emergency Symptoms
In severe instances, myocarditis can lead to life-threatening complications, such as heart failure or cardiogenic shock. Symptoms in these cases may include extreme fatigue, persistent dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing.
An NHLBI-funded study found that enough and sustained exercise can reverse the damage done to aging hearts by a sedentary lifestyle, and prevent future heart failure.
Cardiologists generally advise avoiding processed meats, sugary drinks and sweets, and foods high in trans fats and sodium, like most fried foods and salty snacks, because they raise bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, significantly increasing heart disease risk. Focusing on whole foods and limiting these culprits is key for heart health.
Water is the drink of choice for heart health. If you're thirsty, drink water. When the weather is warm or we're exercising, our bodies need more water than usual. Unflavoured milk, tea and coffee can be enjoyed in moderation.
How to treat myocarditis. In cases of mild myocarditis, medication, rest, and recovery may be all that is needed for it to go away on its own. Antibiotics are often prescribed if an infection is the suspected cause of myocarditis.