5. Fluid Retention: The Body’s Balancing Act Gone Awry
Another deceptive symptom of myocarditis is fluid retention. It might seem unrelated to a heart condition at first glance, but it’s a significant sign of the body’s internal balancing act going awry.
Under normal circumstances, the body has a finely tuned system to manage the balance of fluids. The heart, kidneys, and blood vessels all play a role in this fluid dynamics. However, when the heart is inflamed and its pumping efficiency compromised, this balance gets disrupted.
The heart’s reduced ability to pump blood forward leads to a backup of fluid in the system. This excess fluid, in turn, leaks out into surrounding tissues, causing swelling, also known as edema.
This swelling is often most noticeable in the legs and ankles but can occur anywhere in the body. In severe cases, fluid can even accumulate in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary edema, which can cause shortness of breath and is a medical emergency.
The kidneys, in response to reduced blood flow (a result of the heart’s diminished pumping ability), might also retain fluid as a countermeasure. This retention, intended to ensure enough fluid for essential body functions, instead contributes to the overall swelling experienced in the body. (5)
