Carditis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Carditis?
A cardiologist (a heart doctor) diagnoses and treats this condition. An infectious disease doctor (a doctor who treats infections) may help when an infection is the cause. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is carditis?
Carditis means inflammation of the heart. Inflammation is the body's natural reaction to an infection or injury, causing swelling, redness, or pain. Carditis can affect three parts of the heart:
- The lining of the heart or valves, called endocarditis.
- The heart muscle itself, called myocarditis.
- The tissue around the heart, called pericarditis.
Heart inflammation can start suddenly or develop slowly. It may cause severe symptoms or almost none. If not treated, it can lead to serious problems such as an irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or coronary heart disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on which part of the heart is inflamed. Symptoms may be similar to the flu, and mild cases can get better on their own. Common signs include:
- Fever, chills, or sweating if the cause is an infection.
- Chest pain and a rapid heart rate, with myocarditis.
- Sharp chest pain that gets worse with breathing and feels better when sitting up and leaning forward, with pericarditis.
- Shortness of breath.
- Tiredness.
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet.
- Joint pain or swelling.
Causes and who gets it
Infections are a common cause. Many cases of myocarditis are caused by a virus that reaches the heart. The virus can be the flu virus or the COVID-19 virus. Pericarditis is often the result of a viral infection. Myocarditis may also be caused by bacterial infections. These include Lyme disease, streptococcus, mycoplasma, and chlamydia. If an infection affects the heart, disease-fighting cells enter the heart, and the chemicals they make can damage the heart muscle. Fungus or parasites can also cause myocarditis.
Autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks healthy body tissue by mistake, are another cause of myocarditis. Some medicines can cause it. Rarely, a vaccine reaction leads to myocarditis. Pericarditis mostly affects men ages 20 to 50 years. Myocarditis is an uncommon disorder. Sometimes the exact cause may not be discovered.
How doctors diagnose it
Myocarditis can be hard to diagnose. Its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other heart and lung diseases, or a bad case of the flu. A physical exam may detect fluid in the lungs and swelling in the legs. Listening to the heart with a stethoscope can reveal a pericardial rub with pericarditis. It can also reveal a rapid heartbeat or abnormal heart sounds with myocarditis.
Tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG), which may be done to help make the diagnosis. Blood tests check for infection and inflammation, such as blood cultures, C-reactive protein, and sedimentation rate. Imaging tests include an echocardiogram (a heart ultrasound), chest x-ray, and heart MRI or CT scan. A heart biopsy, taking a tiny piece of heart tissue, is the most accurate way to confirm myocarditis. It is not always needed.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and cause of the inflammation. For myocarditis, treatment may involve antibiotics to fight bacterial infection. It may also involve steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation. Rarely, a heart transplant may be needed if the heart muscle has become too weak to function.
For pericarditis, high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are often given with a medicine called colchicine. These decrease pain and swelling. Corticosteroids may also be used. If the cause is an infection, antibiotics or antifungal medicines are used.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 right away if your symptoms are severe, or if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, or fainting. See a doctor promptly if you have a fever with a new heart murmur, a racing heart, or swelling in your legs. Contact your provider if you have symptoms of myocarditis, especially after a recent infection.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. At a first visit, this doctor can do a physical exam. It may detect fluid in the lungs and swelling in the legs. Tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to help make the diagnosis.
Common questions
Is carditis serious?
It can be. Inflammation in the heart can lead to an irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or coronary heart disease. But symptoms may be similar to the flu, and mild cases can get better on their own.
What is the difference between myocarditis and pericarditis?
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle itself. Pericarditis is inflammation of the sac-like covering around the heart. They can have different causes and treatments.
Can carditis be prevented?
Many cases cannot be prevented. Treat conditions that cause myocarditis promptly to reduce the risk.
Who gets carditis?
Pericarditis mostly affects men ages 20 to 50 years. Myocarditis also occurs in children.
Sources
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - What Is Heart Inflammation?
- MedlinePlus - Myocarditis
- MedlinePlus - Pericarditis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
