Which condition may present with new or worsening heart failure symptoms?

Myocarditis is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle, which can lead to a reduced ability of the heart to pump blood effectively, resulting in heart failure symptoms. The inflammation can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain drugs. As the heart muscle becomes compromised, patients may experience new or worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid retention, and palpitations. These manifestations can develop suddenly or progress over a period of time, making myocarditis a significant and critical concern in the context of heart failure.

Hypertensive heart disease typically develops over years due to chronic high blood pressure leading to left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure. While it can certainly cause worsening symptoms, the acute presentation of those symptoms is often less dramatic compared to myocarditis.

Coronary artery disease leads to ischemia and may also result in heart failure; however, it typically presents with symptoms such as angina rather than acute heart failure symptoms unless there is an event like a myocardial infarction.

Pulmonary embolism primarily causes acute respiratory distress and can lead to right heart strain, but its symptoms primarily center around respiratory issues rather than classic heart failure symptoms that arise from myocarditis.

Thus, myocarditis stands out as