What Are Myocarditis and Pericarditis?
Myocarditis, or inflammation of the muscular walls of the heart, is most commonly caused by viruses, however, it can also be caused by bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Other causes of the condition include radiation, chemicals, cocaine use, and prescription medications. Conditions that affect several parts of the body, such as autoimmune diseases * , also can be associated with both myocarditis and pericarditis. When the pericardium (per-ih-KAR-dee-um), the smooth, double-layered sac-like covering that surrounds the heart, becomes inflamed—known as pericarditis—fluid usually accumulates in the space between its layers. As the amount of fluid increases, the buildup puts pressure on the beating heart and can limit its ability to function. Many of the same infections that cause myocarditis can cause pericarditis as well, and the two often appear together. In addition to the infectious causes of pericarditis, heart surgery or a heart attack * can lead to an inflamed pericardium and accumula
