Thread by @CardiolRx

#Myocarditis and #Pericarditis might sound very similar, but they affect different areas of the heart.

To understand the difference between these two types of heart inflammation, you must first understand the heart’s structure⬇️(1/6)

A human heart has three layers. The main difference between pericarditis and myocarditis is the layer affected.

Working from the outside inward, the three layers of the heart are as follows ⬇️(2/6)

1. Pericardium: The outermost layer of the heart, is a sac of connective tissue, serous membranes surrounding the heart. It cushions the heart and protects it from friction and enlargement. (3/6)

2. Myocardium: The middle layer, also known as the muscular layer of the heart. By expanding and contracting, the myocardium enables the heart to pump blood (systole) and relax and fill the heart (diastole).(4/6)

3. Endocardium: The innermost layer of the heart is the endocardium. It is a layer of connective tissues and organ lining that coats the inner surfaces of the heart chambers, including several valves. (5/6)

Knowing the difference is vital for planning an effective treatment.

➡️Pericarditis is inflammation in the pericardium
➡️Myocarditis inflames the myocardium

Learn more about heart inflammation from @myocarditisfndn! (6/6)
myocarditisfoundation.org/understanding-…