What is myocarditis?
Myocarditis is a serious but rare condition where inflammation develops in the myocardium, or middle muscular layer of the heart wall.
Myocarditis can weaken both the heart and its electrical system. As a result, the heart’s ability to pump blood decreases.
This condition may be acute and resolve quickly. Or it may be chronic, lasting longer than two weeks. In severe cases, myocarditis may lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or death.
Often the cause of myocarditis is unknown. Commonly a viral infection (such as a cold or flu), bacterial infection (such as diphtheria or strep), or fungal infection (such as candidiasis) can lead to myocarditis. Medications, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to or ingestion of toxic substances also can cause it.
What are the symptoms of myocarditis?
People with myocarditis don’t always have symptoms. Others have mild or severe signs, such as:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Hard, rapid, or irregular heartbeat
- Light-headedness or fainting
- Flulike symptoms including headache, body ache, joint pain or sore throat
Some instances of myocarditis can feel like a heart attack. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical help immediately.
How is myocarditis diagnosed and treated?
A health care professional is needed to diagnose myocarditis. Patients will often get a physical exam and share their medical and family history. In addition, other procedures are used to diagnose the condition, including:
- Blood tests
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Chest X-ray
- EKG/ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Echocardiograph
- Cardiac catheterization and biopsy
Myocarditis treatment targets symptoms and the underlying cause if it’s known. Those with mild myocarditis may only need rest and medication. Patients with severe cases may need lifelong medication, implanted devices or other surgeries.
Staying healthy
Proper heart function can be supported by lifestyle changes. Some of these include reducing sodium intake, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking. Patients with myocarditis are often advised to avoid competitive sports while active inflammation is present.
Myocarditis and COVID-19
Health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to monitor whether myocarditis is linked to COVID-19. Researchers have published several studies on myocarditis and COVID-19 cases and vaccines since the start of the pandemic. Some include:
- An international study published in April 2022 found about 3 in every 1,000 patients hospitalized due to a COVID-19 infection developed acute myocarditis. The study used data from the first 15 months of the pandemic, before COVID-19 vaccines were widely available. Among those hospitalized for COVID-19 and diagnosed with myocarditis, those who also developed pneumonia were more likely to need a ventilator to breathe and had an increased risk of death.
- A December 2021 study found that most adolescents and young adults with suspected myocarditis following a COVID-19 vaccination have mild symptoms and rapid recovery. But the study notes that information on longer-term outcomes is lacking and future studies are needed.
- Myocarditis was reported at a higher rate than expected among some people who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, according to a July 2021 study. Most of the suspected myocarditis cases in that study developed after the second dose and were among males between 12 and 39 years old. Despite these cases, the study stated that the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the rare risk of myocarditis.
ASHI classes can take less time and money to complete and allow a higher instructor-to-student ratio, so it may work better for groups larger than six. If you are not a medical professional, the ASHI class is a great choice.
We are authorized by both the AHA and ASHI to teach these CPR classes. We want to make sure you earn the correct CPR certification!
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CPR Core
This is the level recommended for the general public, including fitness instructors, Scout leaders and volunteers, students, babysitters, parents & grandparents. The ASHI-provided CPR Core curriculum provides non-professional rescuers with the basic skills and confidence to alleviate airway obstructions, perform CPR on adults, children, or infants, and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). *Meets the Florida high school graduation requirement for HOPE/ Life Management class.
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Pediatric CPR, AED and First Aid
This course is required for childcare professionals, teachers and school bus drivers, and is strongly recommended for teachers, camp counselors, babysitters and nannies. You will learn first aid basics, including how to handle choking emergencies, and how to perform CPR on adults, children, or infants, and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This ASHI course is designed for anyone involved in childcare who has a duty to respond to emergencies until professional help arrives.
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CPR BLS
Basic Life Support (BLS) is the course required for Healthcare Professionals (RNs, LPNs, CNAs, Home Health Aides, Dentists, Dental Hygienists), who do not work in a hospital, or who are not First Responders. The ASHI-provided CPR BLS course teaches students how to recognize life-threatening emergencies, how to provide basic life support, including CPR and AED use for adults, children and infants, and what to do in case of an airway obstruction or choking, or strokes.
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AHA BLS for Medical/Healthcare Pros
The American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider curriculum is required for medical/health care professionals, specifically those who work in hospitals, including RNs, LPN, CNAs, medical doctors, and First Responders (Paramedics, firefighters, law enforcement officers), and students in school for nursing and medical occupations. etc. The American Heart Association BLS card is considered the “gold standard” in CPR training and is universally accepted. Class covers recognizing life-threatening emergencies, providing CPR (including skills test with feedback manikins), using an AED and how to relieve choking/airway obstructions. We use bag-valve-mask and perform two-person CPR (including skills test with feedback manikins). As an official American Heart Association Training Site, we issue BLS cards the same day. The blended version of this course (BLS HeartCode) is done partially online but includes/requires an in-person skills demonstration to complete certification.
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ACLS
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is for healthcare professionals who direct or participate in the management of in-facility cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies and for personnel in emergency response situations. ACLS teaches basic life support skills, including effective chest compressions, use of a bag-mask device, and use of an AED. The course also covers recognition and early management of respiratory and cardiac arrest, recognition and early management of peri-arrest conditions such as symptomatic bradycardia, airway management, related pharmacology, management of ACS and stroke, and effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team. A pre-course assessment is required before attending class.
2 year certification
PALS
Pediatric Advanced Lifesaving (PALS) is for healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children and for personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care and critical care units. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years. Please contact your employer to ensure that you are selecting the correct course. A pre-assessment is required before attending class.
2 year certification
Basic First Aid
Required for Healthcare Professionals, Childcare Professionals and recommended for everyone. This ASHI-provided basic first aid course is for the general public and those requiring certification to treat victims in an emergency. Course content includes training on bleeding, bone breaks, burns, breathing emergencies, seizures, heat/cold emergencies and more. This class can be (and should be!) combined with any CPR course.Two-year certification.
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Bloodborne Pathogens
Specialized training for those at risk for on-the-job exposure to blood and other bodily fluids. You will learn how bloodborne pathogens are spread, how to avoid exposure and what to do if exposed to infectious material. This ASHI-provided course follows OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030.
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Fire Extinguisher
Required for Childcare Professionals. You will learn the basic elements of fire prevention and fire extinguisher use. One-year certification.
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AVERT
Is your organization trained to react in a life-threatening situation? AVERT combines active shooter and bleeding control training to give you and your team the skills you need in almost any emergency situation. This class includes on-site, hands-on learning experience at your location in which you and your team will learn:
- Warning signs of violence
- Situational Awareness
- Equipping Your Space
- Escape and Evade Techniques
- Defend and Attack
- Emergency Bleeding Control
With AVERT training, you’ll learn under realistic circumstances how to recognize the signs of danger, react appropriately, and make rapid survival decisions. One year certification.
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