Myocarditis
Definition
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle.
See also: Pediatric myocarditis
Alternative Names
Inflammation - heart muscleCauses
Myocarditis is an uncommon disorder that is usually caused by viral infections that reach the heart, including those due to the Coxsackie virus, adenovirus, and echovirus. It may also occur during or after various viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections (such as polio, influenza, or rubella).
When you have an infection, your body's immune system produces special cells that release certain chemicals to fight off disease. If the infection affects your heart, the disease-fighting cells enter the heart. However, the chemicals they produce can damage heart muscle, causing it to become thick, swollen, and weak. This leads to symptoms of heart failure.
Other causes of myocarditis may include:
- Allergic reactions to certain medications
- Being around certain chemicals
- Certain diseases that cause inflammation throughout the body
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