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Myocarditis

Definition:
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle.

Alternative Names:
Inflammation - heart muscle; Cardiomyopathy

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Myocarditis is an uncommon disorder caused by viral infections such as coxsackie virus, adenovirus, and echovirus. It may also occur during or after various viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections (such as polio, influenza, or rubella).

The condition may be caused by exposure to chemicals or allergic reactions to certain medications and it can be associated with autoimmune diseases.

The heart muscle becomes inflamed and weakened, causing symptoms of heart failure, which may mimic a heart attack.



Review Date: 7/28/2002
Reviewed By: Steven Kang, M.D., Division of Cardiology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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