Intermediate
Technical
IVT
myocarditis
Inflammation of the heart muscle that can be triggered by viral infections and poses significant risk to athletes.
Full Definition
An inflammatory condition of the myocardium most commonly caused by viral infections, though bacterial, parasitic, and autoimmune causes also exist. In athletes, myocarditis is particularly concerning because exercise during the acute phase can precipitate dangerous arrhythmias and sudden death. The condition may present with chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue, or may be asymptomatic. Diagnosis involves biomarkers, imaging, and sometimes endomyocardial biopsy. Current guidelines recommend exercise restriction during acute phases and careful monitoring during recovery.
In Context
- "Cardiac MRI confirmed active myocarditis with late gadolinium enhancement pattern." — Cardiology diagnostic report
- "Return-to-play protocols for myocarditis require minimum three-month exercise restriction." — Sports medicine guideline
Also known as
cardiac inflammation
inflammatory cardiomyopathy
Don't confuse with
pericarditis
viral syndrome