What causes inflammation of the heart?

What causes heart inflammation?

• I went to the hospital 3 mnths ago for it. I was there 3 days getting antibiotics. My doctor said it was from radiation treatments for cancer I had 1 !/2 yrs ago. But I woke up 3 days ago and it's back. My chest hurts when I take a deep breath. I'm taking some antibiotics I have at home and they seem to help.

• Answer:

  Radiation therapy for cancer can result in an inflammation of the sac around the heart called pericarditis. Chest pain is a major symptom and it can be diagnosed by echocardiogram. Antibiotics aren't meant to be taken when you have symptoms (like taking an aspirin only when you have a headache), their dosages and lengths of treatment are predetermined by a physician. You should get this situation re-evaluated. Your physician may need to change your antibiotics. If you let pericarditis go it can lead to a fluid build-up in the sac which will cause your heart to be constricted when it tries to pump.