Which term denotes inflammation of the heart muscle?

• A. Endocarditis
• B. Deep Vein Thrombosis
• C. Myocarditis
• D. Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Answer: (C)

Inflammation of the heart muscle is described by combining the word parts for muscle of the heart with inflammation. The root myocard- means heart muscle, and the suffix -itis means inflammation, so myocarditis literally means inflammation of the heart muscle. This distinguishes it from endocarditis, which is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium, often involving valves); deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in a deep vein; and a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, which is a type of heart attack due to reduced blood flow—not primarily an inflammatory process.