Myocarditis in children

09 March 2021

Myocarditis is a condition where the muscular walls of the heart become inflamed. Myocarditis typically results in poor heart function. 

There are many causes of myocarditis, including: 

  • Infection 
  • Medications 
  • Chemicals 
  • Radiation 
  • Certain diseases that cause inflammation in many different organs of the body; and in most children, myocarditis is triggered by an infection, usually viral, involving the heart. 

There are no known risk factors for developing myocarditis. Age, sex, and genetic make-up may all play a role in how severe the disease becomes once you have it. Treatment for myocarditis is based on how badly the heart is affected. Many children have a complete recovery, but some may develop serious heart failure and require chronic care from a cardiologist. 

Return to tips and advice