Which condition is inflammation of the muscular layer of the heart?

• A. Endocarditis
• B. Pericarditis
• C. Angina
• D. Myocarditis

Answer: (D)

Inflammation of the heart's muscular layer is called myocarditis. The heart wall has three layers: the inner lining (endocardium), the muscular middle (myocardium), and the outer covering (pericardium). When the inflammation targets the muscular layer, it disrupts the heart’s ability to contract effectively. Endocarditis affects the endocardium (inner lining), pericarditis affects the pericardium (outer sac), and angina is chest pain from reduced blood flow, not inflammation. A helpful way to remember is that “myo” means muscle and “itis” means inflammation, so myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle.