11 Causes of Chest Pain

3. Myocarditis

Just like any other muscle in the body, the heart muscle (myocardium) can become inflamed. Usually, myocarditis affects people with infections such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Hepatitis C, HIV, chlamydia, streptococcal, or staphylococcal bacteria. Symptoms include shortness of breath, abnormal heartbeat, fainting, light-headedness, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and swollen joints, legs, or neck veins. Infection with a virus or bacteria is a common cause of myocarditis, but it can also be brought on by a reaction to some medications or chemicals, as well as inflammation associated with an autoimmune disease or other underlying illness.