What causes myocarditis?

Myocarditis is caused by viral infections, autoimmune conditions, and sometimes bacterial or fungal infections. The most common viral culprits include coxsackievirus, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus. In some cases, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy heart tissue after fighting off an infection, or certain medications and toxins can trigger inflammation of the heart muscle.

What is the best test for myocarditis?

The Troponin T High Sensitivity test is the most important blood test for myocarditis because it detects troponin T, a protein released when heart muscle cells are damaged or inflamed. Elevated troponin T levels indicate active heart muscle injury and help assess the severity of cardiac damage. While myocarditis diagnosis also requires imaging studies like cardiac MRI and electrocardiograms, measuring high-sensitivity troponin T is essential for identifying heart muscle injury and monitoring how the condition progresses during treatment.

When should I get tested for myocarditis?

You should get tested if you experience chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, fatigue, or swelling in your legs or ankles, especially if these symptoms appear after a recent viral illness. Testing is also important if you notice decreased exercise tolerance, lightheadedness, or fainting episodes. Early detection through blood testing helps prevent serious complications and guides appropriate treatment.

What are the symptoms of myocarditis?

Myocarditis symptoms include chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath during activity or at rest, rapid or irregular heartbeat, fatigue and weakness, and swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet. You might also experience lightheadedness, fainting, flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches, or a reduced ability to exercise. Some people have mild symptoms that feel like a common cold, while others develop severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

Who is at risk for myocarditis?

People who recently had a viral infection are at higher risk for myocarditis, particularly young adults and athletes. Those with autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, individuals taking certain chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics, and people who use cocaine or other illicit drugs face increased risk. Men are more likely to develop myocarditis than women, and anyone with a weakened immune system or recent exposure to infectious diseases has elevated risk.

What happens if myocarditis is left untreated?

Untreated myocarditis can lead to serious heart complications including chronic heart failure, irregular heart rhythms that may cause sudden cardiac arrest, blood clots that can travel to your lungs or brain causing stroke, and permanent damage to your heart muscle. In severe cases, myocarditis can weaken the heart so much that it cannot pump enough blood to your body, potentially requiring a heart transplant. Early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes and prevent these life-threatening complications.

Can myocarditis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Blood tests cannot diagnose myocarditis on their own, but they provide critical evidence of heart muscle damage. The Troponin T High Sensitivity test detects proteins released when heart cells are injured, helping identify active inflammation and damage. Blood tests also measure inflammatory markers and rule out other conditions. A complete myocarditis diagnosis requires combining blood test results with imaging studies like cardiac MRI, electrocardiograms, and clinical evaluation by a cardiologist.

How is myocarditis treated?

Myocarditis treatment focuses on supporting your heart while it heals and addressing the underlying cause. Mild cases may only require rest and medications to reduce inflammation and help your heart pump more effectively, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics. Severe cases might need hospitalization with intravenous medications, mechanical heart pumps, or even a heart transplant. If a bacterial infection caused the myocarditis, antibiotics are prescribed. Most people recover fully with proper treatment and rest.

How can I prevent myocarditis?

You can reduce your risk of myocarditis by staying up to date on vaccinations, especially for flu, COVID-19, and measles, which can trigger heart inflammation. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who have viral infections. Protect yourself from tick bites that spread Lyme disease, practice safe sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections, and avoid illicit drugs. If you exercise regularly, allow your body adequate recovery time after viral illnesses before returning to intense physical activity.

What can I do at home for myocarditis?

If you have myocarditis, rest is essential to allow your heart to heal, so avoid strenuous exercise and physical exertion for several months as recommended by your doctor. Reduce sodium intake to decrease fluid retention and ease the workload on your heart, stay hydrated, and eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed, monitor your symptoms for any worsening, and attend all follow-up appointments. Avoid alcohol and smoking, which can further stress your heart during recovery.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

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Myocarditis Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Myocarditis Blood Test

What is Myocarditis?

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle that can weaken the heart and affect its ability to pump blood. It is caused by viral infections like coxsackievirus and adenovirus, autoimmune disorders, or bacterial infections. The Troponin T High Sensitivity test is the most important blood test for detecting myocarditis because it reveals heart muscle damage from inflammation.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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