What are the treatments for the condition?

If an infection can be identified, antibiotics are sometimes helpful. If a biopsy of the heart muscle shows active inflammation, corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications maybe useful.

A variety of medications can be used to treat the complications of this condition, such as congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. In severe cases, a person may need a heart transplant to survive.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

All medications have possible side effects. For instance, diuretics may cause allergic reactions, dehydration, and salt imbalances. Medications used to treat irregular heartbeats may cause other irregular heartbeats, stomach upset, or allergic reactions. A heart transplant involves a risky surgery that can result in infections, bleeding, or death.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Most people fully recover from this condition. For others, heart function may get worse over time. This may lead to permanent heart muscle damage, such as dilated cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes thin and flabby, and is unable to pump blood effectively. Someone with this condition will need ongoing treatment.

How is the condition monitored?

Routine visits to a healthcare provider and monitoring of heart function are needed.