Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The heart can not pump blood normally when the heart muscle is inflamed. When this happens, the patient feels weak and short of breath.

This disease can happen to a person of any age. There are a number of causes:
* the most common cause is a viral infection, less common are
* radiation,
* drugs, and
* exposure to chemicals.

Myocarditis may occur as a side effect of cancer treatment with radiation and certain drugs. Rarely, myocarditis can be caused by the germ that causes Lyme disease. In other parts of the world, a parasite often causes myocarditis.

Many cases of myocarditis caused by viruses get better without treatment. Sometimes the disease gets worse. If it does, a person may develop congestive heart failure or heart rhythm problems. If the disease continues to worsen, heart medications are given. If the condition still continues to worsen, a heart transplant may be necessary.

A doctor may suspect myocarditis when a person's chest X-ray shows an enlarged heart. Sometimes the heart sounds may be abnormal as well. It may be necessary to take a sample of the heart muscle. This is called a heart biopsy. Persons with myocarditis should rest and take their medications as ordered. They should closely follow their caregiver's advice.

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