Infections, heart attacks, trauma, cancer, and autoimmune disorders can all cause pericarditis, which may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
Primarily be felt in the middle or left side of the chest, but may also affect the neck, shoulders, back, or abdomenWorsen while lying down and breathing deep, and ease up when sitting up and leaning forwardResemble chest pain from a heart attackCome on quickly and feel sharp and stabbing, though it may also feel like an achy pressure in the area
Cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and leukemiaHIVKidney failure
Other causes include:
Traumatic and radiation therapy-based injuriesDrugs such as anti-seizure, blood-thinning, and anti-arrhythmia medications
Pericarditis After a Heart Attack
Pericarditis may develop after a heart attack. Chest pain and fever are the most common symptoms of Dressler’s syndrome. If the pericarditis is severe, your doctor may also hear crackles in your lungs, and will detect pericardial effusion (fluid between your pericardium and heart), and signs of fluid in the space between your lungs and your ribs. One or more imaging and diagnostic tests might then be ordered, including:
Electrocardiogram, or EKG, a measure of your heart’s electrical activityChest X-rays, which can reveal an enlarged heart or excess pericardial fluidChest computer tomography (CT) scansCardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Echocardiography, which uses sound waves to image the heartBlood tests, which can detect if you’ve had or are having a heart attack, check for infection and inflammation, and help determine the cause of your pericarditis
Prognosis of Pericarditis
Other drugs may help treat acute pericarditis, including:
Antibiotics for pericarditis caused by bacteriaAntifungal drugs for pericarditis caused by fungiDiuretics, or water pills, to remove excess fluid
Pericarditis generally clears up on its own or with medications, but complications may eventually develop that require surgical treatment.
Prevention of Pericarditis
RELATED: Is Music Good for Your Heart? Cardiac tamponade is considered a medical emergency and, if left untreated, can quickly become fatal. Cardiac tamponade can cause numerous symptoms, including:
AnxietyBreathing problems and chest painDizziness and faintingSwelling of the abdomenDrowsinessWeak pulseShock, a condition in which your vital organs (brain, kidneys, bowels, and liver) do not have sufficient blood flow to function normally
A long-term, rare disease, chronic constrictive pericarditis may also be life-threatening if left untreated. It slowly develops when pericarditis causes scar-like (fibrous) tissue to form on the pericardium, making the sac thick, stiff, and rigid. The scarred tissue contracts over time, preventing the heart from fully stretching and filling with blood.
Viral infectionsInfections from bacteria (such as tuberculosis), fungi, parasites, and other organismsHeart attack
Other causes of pericarditis include:
Cancer, including leukemia or lung cancer, breast cancer, melanomaKidney failureTraumatic and radiation therapy injuriesVarious drugs, such as anti-seizure, blood-thinning, and anti-arrhythmia medications
Endocarditis is inflammation of the endocardium — the inner lining of the heart chambers and valvesMyocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle
The AHA is the nation’s largest voluntary organization dedicated to cardiovascular health. Their website covers a number of heart conditions in depth, including pericarditis. And in addition to supporting and educating patients, they offer resources for caregivers too. Cleveland Clinic The Cleveland Clinic is a trusted source for Everyday Health editors of up-to-date info on all sorts of medical conditions — and pericarditis is no exception. Beyond the basics of the condition and how to manage it, they’ve got an expert podcast on the topic. Mayo Clinic Another incredibly helpful go-to source, the Mayo Clinic provides a clear, detailed review of this condition, from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment and possible complications. Plus, they feature tips on how to prepare for an appointment with your healthcare provider. Additional reporting by Deborah Shapiro.
