Rare heart inflammation in young people--are genetics at play?
at the Imperial College London in the United Kingdom. He also is a consultant cardiologist at Royal Brompton Hospital in London.
The new, population-based study suggests that "it's not just random," he said. "For a subset of people, there's a gene that predisposes them to this, or makes them susceptible." Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, frequently is triggered by a virus. The condition can progress to heart muscle disease that weakens the heart and its ability to pump blood. Myocarditis usually resolves on its own or with treatment, but in some cases it can cause lasting damage. It also can be fatal.
Previously undetected and untreated myocarditis has been identified as the cause of sudden death in 8% of 1- to 17-year-olds and 9% of athletes. Postmortem studies suggest it may be responsible for 3% to 12% of all sudden cardiac deaths.