Autoimmune myocarditis

 

Overview

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, which reduces your heart’s ability to pump and causes heart arrhythmias. The specific underlying cause is currently unknown, but infection with a virus or drug reaction has been known to cause the condition.

Common Symptoms

Chest pain, abnormal heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, headaches, sore throat, leg swelling, and diarrhea.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Lupus, rheumatic fever, Kawasaki disease, and amyloidosis.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

Having 20-51 years of age, being male, having an autoimmune disease that affects the heart, viral and bacterial infections, taking certain cancer therapeutics, and having general inflammation are risk factors.

Recent Research

Sources

  1. Article Sources

    1. Autoimmune myocarditis | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program. (n.d.). Https://Rarediseases.Info.Nih.Gov/Diseases/9519/Autoimmune-Myocarditis. Retrieved July 12, 2021, from https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9519/autoimmune-myocarditis

    2. Myocarditis. (n.d.). NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Retrieved June 12, 2021, from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/myocarditis/

    3. Myocarditis—Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 12, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myocarditis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352539