Myocarditis: Symptoms & Signs

Myocarditis refers to inflammation of the muscle of the heart (known as the myocardium), leading to damage or destruction of the heart muscle.

Signs and symptoms of myocarditis include

• chest pain,
• chest discomfort,
• shortness of breath,
• heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias),
• fever,
• chills,
• fatigue,
• swelling, and
• palpitations.

Other associated symptoms are nonspecific, particularly in children and infants, and can include

• joint pains,
• rash,
• diarrhea,
• cough,
• malaise, and
• poor appetite.

Myocarditis is also a known cause of sudden death in young adults.

Causes of myocarditis

Myocarditis has a number of possible causes, including infections (bacteria, viruses, or fungi), autoimmune conditions, certain medications, toxins, and some diseases like lupus or Wegener's granulomatosis. In many cases, myocarditis develops without a known cause (called idiopathic).

Other myocarditis symptoms and signs

• Arrhythmias
• Chest Discomfort
• Chest Pain
• Chills
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Joint Pains
• Malaise
• Palpitations
• Poor Appetite
• Rash
• Shortness of Breath
• Swelling

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QUESTION

In the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. See Answer