Understanding Myocarditis: An inflammation of heart tissue
Myocarditis is defined by the Mayo Clinic as an inflammation of the heart muscle or the myocardium. This disease can affect your heart muscle and your heart’s electrical system. It reduces your heart’s ability to pump and cause rapid or abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in every 4 American deaths is directly related to heart disease, which kills over 600,000 people each year.
Daily habits and lifestyle choices are currently the biggest contributor to heart diseases. Some examples of these are smoking, poor diet, Diabetes, Obesity and stress. The most alarming and dangerous thing about Myocarditis is that it can affect anyone, regardless of age, and may manifest severe problems without showing any symptoms. Myocarditis can be managed however there are no steps to definitely prevent it. Currently, there’s still a lot to be learned about Myocarditis. Many doctors believe that the disease is not inherited and haven’t found any genes indicating that it is.
Myocarditis is already a concern for athletes. Myocarditis accounted for a significant portion (estimated 7-20%) of sudden cardiac deaths in young athletes, prior to Covid-19. Early evidence indicates that Covid-19 can increase risk of myocarditis in athletes. Additionally, getting the Covid vaccination also has early evidence of increased risk of myocarditis.
Massage and Myocarditis
Regardless of a person’s age, massage therapy when performed by a skilled and qualified therapist can help reduce stress, promote relaxation and enhance feelings of well being. A good and relaxing massage can help stimulate the nerve endings in our skin, release endorphins and inhibit the stress hormones. Blood will circulate more efficiently, blood pressure will drop and heart rates will slow down.
Sticking to a regular massage regimen can drop the dangers associated with stress, such as cardiac arrhythmias. Several studies have revealed that a structured massage plan can lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure. This in turn becomes beneficial to one’s overall heart health. Since keeping a healthy blood pressure can help in decreasing the chances of suffering from a heart attack. It is good to note that a well executed massage therapy releases contracted muscles and propels venous blood towards the heart, relieving the strain on the heart. Because of this, massage provides a natural and non-intrusive method for giving the body an opportunity to heal itself.
What other benefits does a massage do for you and your cardiac health?
Having a relaxed body, mental sharpness and an increase in energy are some of the benefits experienced by patients who mix conventional medical treatments together with a soothing massage regimen. Faster recovery and lowered risk of suffering from cardiovascular events such as a heart attack are also observed.
Getting a better sleep is another good thing that can be experienced after a good massage. Since you have lowered blood pressure, a good night’s sleep can be expected.
Stroke survivors can also benefit from a gentle massage since it reduces muscle swelling. Such a massage allows the body’s natural lymphatic drainage process which helps in the removal of toxins and waste build up under the skin thus removing the swelling.
Massages are known for relieving stress and improving overall well being. Understanding how your body responds to the benefits of massage therapy can help your emotional and physical health. Whether it be a quick or gentle massage, getting a good massage is helping your heart and arteries stay healthy and strong.
While there is nothing wrong with getting a massage regularly. There are some things to keep into consideration when you have an existing heart condition or you are working with patients who have heart ailments. Take note that deep tissue massages are not suitable for patients on blood thinning medications as these may cause bruising or swelling. Massage therapists should take extra care when working on areas surrounding implanted devices or pacemakers.
Generally speaking, massage is a relatively safe and efficient way to unwind and rid the daily stresses of the body. However, it is best to contact your medical practitioner or specialist before engaging in any kind of massage.
