What Are the Causes of Heart Inflammation?
Numerous bacteria and viruses can cause inflammation of the heart. Heart inflammation caused by bacteria can be a result of Staphylococcus aureus, a specie of bacteria that can also cause inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (known as endocarditis). According to the Mayo Clinic, heart inflammation can also be caused by an infection from Borrelia burgdoferi, which is a bacterium transmitted by tick bites and can cause Lyme disease. The most common viral cause of heart inflammation is coxsackievirus B, a virus that can also cause flu-like symptoms. Other viruses that can cause heart inflammation are the adenovirus (responsible for the common cold), echovirus (causes gastrointestinal discomfort, pain and diarrhea), Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis) and rubella (causes measles). In some cases, the HIV virus can also direct infect the heart muscle, leading to inflammation.
