Chronic Myocarditis: Understanding The Condition And Its Impact On Heart Health

Chronic myocarditis is a classification of myocarditis based on the duration of the disease, typically lasting more than two years. It often develops from acute myocarditis and progresses through a prolonged or subacute phase, eventually reaching an advanced or end-stage condition. This stage indicates a continuous inflammatory response within the heart muscle, where various inflammatory factors and mediators infiltrate the myocardial cells, leading to cellular degeneration, necrosis, proliferation, and fibrosis. Patients often experience a prolonged disease course with a significant medical history.

Progression And Complications Of Chronic Myocarditis

Chronic myocarditis can worsen under conditions of physical stress or during acute infections. Prolonged exposure to inflammatory agents can further damage the heart muscle, promoting cellular proliferation and potentially transforming into inflammatory cardiomyopathy. This chronic inflammation leads to structural changes in the heart muscle, a process known as cardiac remodeling.

Long-Term Effects On Cardiac Function

Over time, chronic myocarditis may result in an enlarged heart and declining cardiac function. These changes significantly affect the overall prognosis of the patient, potentially reducing both the quality of life and life expectancy. As the disease progresses, patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise tolerance, all of which can impair daily activities and long-term health outcomes.