What is Pericarditis?
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This inflammation can cause chest pain and other symptoms, and may affect heart function if severe.
What causes Pericarditis?
Pericarditis can result from various causes, including:
- Viral infections (most common cause)
- Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart attack or heart surgery
- Trauma or injury to the chest
- Kidney failure leading to uremia
- Certain medications or radiation therapy
In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown (idiopathic pericarditis).
Who is affected by Pericarditis?
Pericarditis can affect people of any age but is most common in men aged 20 to 50. It may occur as a one-time episode or recur over time.
What are the symptoms of Pericarditis?
Symptoms often develop suddenly and may include:
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain that may improve when sitting up and leaning forward
- Pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or lying down
- Fever and general malaise
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue and weakness
How is Pericarditis diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
- Detailed medical history and physical examination (a friction rub may be heard with a stethoscope)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect characteristic changes
- Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to assess pericardial inflammation or fluid accumulation
- Chest X-ray or MRI in some cases
- Blood tests to check for infection or inflammation markers
What treatment options are available for Pericarditis?
Treatment depends on severity and cause:
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation
- Colchicine may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent recurrence
- Corticosteroids for cases caused by autoimmune disease or resistant symptoms
- Antibiotics if bacterial infection is identified
- In severe cases, procedures to drain excess fluid (pericardiocentesis) or surgery may be needed
What is the prognosis for Pericarditis?
Most cases of acute pericarditis improve with treatment and resolve within weeks. However, some people may experience recurrent or chronic pericarditis. Rarely, complications such as cardiac tamponade (fluid pressure on the heart) or constrictive pericarditis (scarring) can occur.
Can Pericarditis affect daily life?
Acute symptoms may limit physical activity temporarily due to chest pain and fatigue. With treatment, most people recover fully and can return to normal activities. Ongoing monitoring is important for recurrent or chronic cases.
Where can someone find support or more information?
Cardiologists and primary care providers manage pericarditis. Patient education resources and heart disease organizations offer support and detailed information.