Inflammation of the connective tissue of the heart.
Inflammation of the heart, usually resulting from infection (e.g., rheumatic fever, streptococcal sore throat), which causes pain, impaired circulation, and possibly damage to the heart muscle.
Inflammation of the layers of the heart. It usually involves two of the following: pericardium, myocardium, or endocardium.
A general term used to describe the inflammation of any part of the heart or its linings is carditis. There are three distinct types of carditis. Myocarditis, which involves the inflammation of the heart muscle, is typically caused by a viral infection. Endocarditis, characterized by the inflammation of the internal lining of the heart, is commonly a result of bacterial infection. Pericarditis, the inflammation of the outer covering of the heart, is often associated with viral or bacterial infections but can also be linked to a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or an autoimmune disorder like systemic lupus erythematosus.