What might cause myocarditis in patients?

Myocarditis is primarily caused by viral infections, which can lead to inflammation of the heart muscle due to the body's immune response to the invading pathogens. Various viruses, such as the coxsackievirus, adenovirus, and even the influenza virus, have been associated with myocarditis. The viral particles can directly invade the heart muscle cells, leading to cellular damage, which triggers an inflammatory response.

In contrast, while excessive exercise can lead to various cardiovascular issues, it is not a recognized direct cause of myocarditis. High blood pressure, while damaging to the cardiovascular system in the long term, does not typically cause myocarditis directly. Chronic dehydration can influence overall cardiovascular health but does not specifically lead to the inflammatory response characteristic of myocarditis. Hence, viral infections are key contributors to the development of this cardiac condition.