👉 The heart, a vital organ of the circulatory system, is not directly involved in infections but can be affected by them. When an infection occurs, often due to bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, it can spread through the bloodstream, reaching the heart muscle (myocardium) and valves. This can lead to myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, causing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats. In severe cases, infections can also lead to endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves, potentially resulting in valve damage or heart failure. The immune system responds to these infections by sending white blood cells to combat the invaders, which can sometimes cause collateral damage to heart tissue, highlighting the delicate balance between fighting infection and maintaining heart health.