HEALTH CHECK
Swollen hands, ankles or feet can be signs of a little-known deadly condition – are you at risk?
There are several other 'hidden' symptoms to be aware of
WHEN the weather is warm, many of us will notice our hands, ankles and feet start to swell a little more than normal.
Most of the time, this is nothing to worry about, but it can be a sign of myocarditis - a condition that kills one young person suddenly every week in the UK.
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Worryingly though, most Brits wouldn't see a doctor if they noticed such symptoms, according to new research.
Andy Jansons, chair of the charity Myocarditis UK whose son Alexander died from the condition aged 18, said: "It’s so important to be aware of the symptoms and know that it’s OK to seek medical help if you’re experiencing them."
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle which reduces the heart's ability to pump effectively over time.
It can cause rapid or abnormal heart rhythms, but this isn't always noticeable.
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Symptoms generally can be subtle and sometimes won't be present at all.
But left untreated, myocarditis can be deadly. In the UK, one young person dies suddenly each week due to undiagnosed myocarditis.
It can affect anyone at any age and is usually related to recent viral infection, but can be caused by medications, bacterial infections and autoimmune disorders.
Signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, a fever and unusual tiredness.
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Swelling in the hands, legs, ankles and feet are also possible, as well as dizziness, lightheadedness, body aches, and a sore throat.
A report out this week found 82 per cent of people wouldn't see a GP or nurse if they experienced any of these symptoms.
Cardiologist explains when chest pains aren't a heart attack
What is myocarditis?
MYOCARDITIS is inflammation of the heart muscle, usually following a virus
It reduces the heart’s ability to pump effectively, causing rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
This inflammation enlarges and weakens the heart, creates scar tissue (fibrosis) and forces it to work harder to circulate blood and oxygen throughout the body.
Myocarditis can affect anyone, at any age, and can occur in people with no history of previous illness.
Most commonly, patients experience chest pain, breathlessness or have a heart rhythm abnormality that makes them collapse or feel as though they are going to collapse.
This is often but not always after a viral infection or an adverse drug reaction.
Other common symptoms of myocarditis include:
- A feeling of tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath (either at rest or when active, or in certain positions, such as lying down)
- Unusual tiredness
- Palpitations (like your heart is fluttering, racing, or pounding)
- An irregular heartbeat
- Feeling light-headed or fainting
- Recent flu-like symptoms (such as high temperature, headaches, body aches, or joint pain)
- A sore throat or swelling in hands, legs, ankles or feet.
To diagnose myocarditis, a doctor will look at any recent illnesses you may have had, your exposure to certain drugs and other risk factors, like whether you've recently had a baby.
You may also have tests, like an ECG, chest X-ray or blood tests.
Treatment will depend on your symptoms and the cause of them, but may include painkillers, antibiotics and rest.
Most people will have one episode of myocarditis and will get better with rest, medication and avoiding high intensity exercise while their heart recovers.
But for some people, the condition can last longer or return, so doctors will check your progress closely.
If your symptoms return, you should see a doctor or phone 111.
Source: Myocarditis UK and the British Heart Foundation
And 27 per cent had never heard of myocarditis in the first place.
Myocarditis UK wants to change that, as one young person dies suddenly every week due to the undiagnosed condition.
It can affect anyone at any age, and is usually related to a recent viral infection, such as flu or Covid.
The virus may have gone, but the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation that can persist in the heart.
Other causes include bacterial infections, certain medications, toxins and autoimmune disorders.
Andy said: "Early detection and treatment can lower the risk of long-term complications or fatalities from the condition.
"With increased awareness, members of the public are better informed to monitor their own health and ask the correct questions of their GP if they are concerned.
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"Making myocarditis a household name and helping the public, general medical practitioners, A&E centres and medical personnel to know and understand what to look out for, is a key step in identifying, diagnosing, and treating myocarditis effectively."
If you experience any of these symptoms, call 111 or speak to your GP.
Alexander Jansons' story
ALEXANDER Jansons died in July 2013, at the age of 18.
He loved life and in particular, enjoyed sport, music, family and his mates.
His biggest passion was for football. He represented his school sides and numerous local teams, making so many friends along the way.
Alexander's school football team at John Hampden Grammar School actually won the English Schools national title one year, technically making them the best school football team in England, and he played a major role in that.
Another major passion for Alexander was the gym, where he would spend untold hours working on his health and fitness.
A mainstay in Alexander’s life was attending West Ham games with his family every other weekend at Upton Park, something that produced some memorable and unbelievable days out.
All of this he carried forward to Sussex University, where he studied for a mathematics degree and played football for the first eleven, loving every second of the student lifestyle.
Everyone who came into contact with Alexander along the way provides the same feedback - that he was a caring, kind, thoughtful and funny soul who would have helped anyone out in any situation.
Source: Myocarditis UK
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