Carditis

/kɑːrˈdaɪtɪs/ noun

Definition

Inflammation of the heart muscle or heart tissue, usually caused by infection, autoimmune disease, or other medical conditions.

Etymology

From Greek kardia (heart) plus -itis (inflammation suffix). A straightforward medical term combining the root for heart with the standard inflammation marker in medical nomenclature.

Kelly Says

Carditis appears in disease names like myocarditis (muscle), pericarditis (outer sac), and endocarditis (inner lining)—the location changes but -itis always means inflammation is attacking.

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