Myocarditis - Cardiology

Myocarditis is an inflammatory condition of the heart muscle that can develop rapidly, progress unpredictably, and lead to significant clinical consequences, including arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and acute or chronic heart failure. Nurses play a vital role in early recognition, timely intervention, and prevention of complications, making a thorough understanding of myocarditis essential for safe and effective patient care. This course provides a rigorous and comprehensive review of myocarditis from a clinical, diagnostic, pharmacologic, and patient-centered perspective while integrating evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and culturally competent care. Myocarditis often overlaps with systemic infections, autoimmune processes, and toxic exposures, and this course equips nurses with the depth of knowledge needed to respond confidently in any clinical setting. Because myocarditis may present with subtle, nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, or mild dyspnea, nurses serve as the first line of identification in both outpatient and acute-care environments. Many cases are viral in origin, while others stem from bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, medication reactions, or environmental toxins. Regardless of etiology, nurses must maintain a high index of suspicion, especially when assessing patients with recent infections, new arrhythmias, or unexplained cardiac symptoms. This course emphasizes differential thinking, systematic cardiac assessment, and the recognition of early red-flag findings requiring escalation.