​Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle due to infections, usually viral. This inflammation may eventually lead to global weakening and dilatation of the heart muscle causing severe heart failure (dilated cardiomyopathy). Certain viruses are known to cause myocarditis but the exact mechanism leading to the weakening of the heart muscle is unknown.
​Viral myocarditis is usually preceded by flu-like symptoms with fever, fatigue and palpitations. The diagnosis is difficult as the initial symptoms may be mistaken as flu. It is usually when the patient presents with symptoms of heart failure (e.g. breathlessness) or abnormal ECG (Electrocardiogram) readings that lead to the diagnosis. Occasionally, it can also be mistaken as a heart attack.
