Can a Cold Lead to Myocarditis?

Question

Can a cold cause myocarditis?

Answer

Myocarditis is an inflammatory response in the myocardium caused by viral or other pathogenic infections, leading to damage to myocardial cells. Although viral myocarditis is more common, bacterial myocarditis is relatively rare. When you have a cold, your body’s immunity decreases, providing an opportunity for viruses to invade the heart and trigger viral myocarditis.