Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. It may occur after an infection, such as diphtheria, rheumatic fever, or tuberculosis. It may also happen with other damage to the heart from toxins, certain drugs, or an autoimmune disease.

Treatment for myocarditis includes finding and treating the cause. If you are having other serious heart problems, your doctor will treat those at the same time. You may need to take medicine for your heart. Treatment may require use of antibiotics, if a bacterial infection is the cause. Lifestyle changes, such as getting more rest, may be part of the treatment.