Myocarditis
Previous Next

What Is It?

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. It can be caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, drugs or chemicals, connective tissue or auto-immune disorders, or by radiation.

Myocarditis may occur as a consequence of a variety of diseases, such as rheumatic fever, polio, rubella, and influenza. Its most common cause is a viral infection (e.g. from adenovirus, coxsackie virus, or echovirus).

Myocarditis is a fairly rare disorder, affecting males more often than females (1.5 to 1).