What is the Difference Between Myocarditis and Pericarditis?

Myocarditis and pericarditis are both inflammatory conditions that affect the heart, but they affect different areas of the organ. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). It can be caused by viral infections, autoimmune illnesses, or other factors such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Symptoms of myocarditis include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing when lying down, lightheadedness, weakness, and fainting.
• Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the thin, sac-like tissue that surrounds the heart. It is often caused by a viral illness, such as a common cold or the flu. Symptoms of pericarditis include chest pain (which is usually more severe than in myocarditis), pain when inhaling, and improvement of pain when sitting up and leaning forward.

In both cases, the body's immune system is causing inflammation, either to try to get rid of the infection or in response to an abnormal or exaggerated immune response. Diagnosis of these conditions can be made through various tests, such as echocardiography for pericarditis and cardiac MRI for myocarditis. Treatment for myocarditis or pericarditis may involve treating the primary cause of the inflammation, such as addressing an underlying autoimmune illness, or managing symptoms like chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Comparative Table: Myocarditis vs Pericarditis

Myocarditis and pericarditis are both inflammatory conditions that affect the heart, but they affect different areas of the organ. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

Both conditions can be caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory issues such as arthritis or lupus. They often present with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Diagnosis and treatment for both conditions depend on the cause and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or addressing underlying conditions.