What does myocarditis refer to?

Myocarditis specifically refers to inflammation of the heart muscle, which can be caused by a variety of factors including infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), immune system disorders, or exposure to certain drugs or toxins. This inflammation can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively and can lead to various symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and arrhythmias. In contrast, options suggesting infection or blockage pertain to different cardiac conditions. For example, while myocarditis can be caused by an infection, the term itself encompasses the broader inflammatory process, rather than simply being limited to an infectious cause. Hence, understanding myocarditis as an inflammatory condition rather than solely an infectious one is crucial in defining this cardiac disorder accurately.