Pericarditis
is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart. There is a small amount of fluid between the inner and outer layers of the pericardium. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, the amount of fluid between its two layers increases, compressing the heart and interfering with its ability to function properly.
Symptoms of Pericarditis
The following are the most common
symptoms of pericarditis
. However, individuals may experience pericarditis symptoms differently. Symptoms of pericarditis may include:
-
chest pain
-
a low-grade fever
-
pain when swallowing
-
arrhythmias (irregular heart beats)
The symptoms of pericarditis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.
Pericarditis Risks
Usually, the risks of pericarditis are unknown, but may include any/all of the following:
-
heart attack
-
infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic)
-
chest trauma or injury
-
cancer spreading from a nearby tumor in the lung, breast, or the blood
-
connective tissue disorders (i.e., lupus erythematosus)
-
heart surgery
Pericarditis Treatment
Specific
pericarditis treatment
will be determined by your physician based on:
-
your age, overall health, and medical history
-
extent of the disease
-
cause of the disease
-
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
-
expectations for the course of the disease
-
your opinion or preference
The goal of
pericarditis treatment
is to determine and eliminate the cause of the disease. Pericarditis treatment may include:
-
medication (i.e., analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs)
-
aspiration of excess fluid
-
surgery
Pericarditis may last from two to six weeks, and there may be a recurrence of the disorder.