Question Title: Idiopathic Myocarditis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy

I have been tentatively diagnosed with idiopathic myocarditis, and the doctor says that there is some evidence of beginning cardiomyopathy. While we await other tests/procedures/etc., he has ordered bed rest. My question is: if the diagnosis is accurate, and I do have idiopathic myocarditis with the beginning stages of dilated cardiomyopathy, how long will this enforced bed rest be in effect? Also, assuming that this disease process resolves (how long does this generally take?), will there be any long-term damage to my heart? Finally, what are the prognostic indicators for this disease? What factors make for a worse prognosis, and which factors make for a better prognosis?

Thanks!

Dear Heather

Is your doctor a cardiologist? I hope so. If not, you should find one. Idiopathic myocarditis is a fancy way of saying inflammation of the heart with no underlying cause that can be found. It is believed to be the cause of a significant percentage of cases of dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. It is usually a diagnosis that is made in retrospect, so I am not sure how the diagnosis was made in your case. Bed rest is not usually a part of the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy, unless you are actually feeling ill. I am unclear how the diagnosis of idiopathic myocarditis has been made without any tests. I question the accuracy of the diagnosis.

I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!

If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

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