Myocarditis implies an Inflammation of the heart muscle, or myocardium. This condition is usually the result of a complication of underlying illness. injury, radiation therapy, infection or toxic reactions to drugs. Pericarditis may also develop in these people. Myocarditis can be very severe, but depends in part on the underlying cause. Severe cases can lead to heart failure and death.
Causes of Myocarditis
Many conditions can lead to Myocarditis. They include viral infections, such as measles, influenza or adenovirus; bacterial infections, such as; tetanus, gonorrhea, typhoid fever, tuberculosis or diphtheria; surgery on the heart; rheumatic fever; parasitic infections; radiation therapy for cancers in the chest, such as lung or breast cancer, and certain medications.
Signs and Symptoms of Myocarditis
Typical symptoms of Myocarditis include fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, fever, chest pain and joint pain. Other symptoms caused by the underlying disorder may be present. If myocarditis results in congestive heart failure, swelling of the feet and ankles usually occurs. There is distension of the neck veins A rapid or irregular heart beat occurs. Breathing difficulties may develop, especially when lying flat.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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