Pericarditis occurs when the membrane that surrounds the heart and its major blood vessels becomes inflamed. In most cases, the cause is not known. It can be caused by a virus, a heart attack, or a chest injury. It also can be caused by another type of illness. Pericarditis causes sharp chest pain. This pain gets worse when you lie down or take a deep breath. The pain gets better if you lean forward or sit up.
Pericarditis often heals on its own. It usually does not cause any more problems. Most people get better within a couple of weeks.
Pericarditis is inflammation of the sac that surrounds and protects the heart (pericardium). Pericarditis can cause an abnormal buildup of fluid between the pericardium and the heart (pericardial effusion).
Pericarditis often improves without causing any damage to the heart.
In most cases, the cause isn't known. It can be caused by a virus, a heart attack, or a chest injury. It also can be caused by other types of illness.
Symptoms of pericarditis include:
Treatment for pericarditis may include medicines to reduce inflammation and relieve pain and antibiotics if the cause is a bacterial infection. If there is any fluid buildup, it may be drained.
The main symptom is a sharp pain in the center or left side of your chest. The pain may spread to the shoulder blade. For some people, this pain is dull instead of sharp. It may be worse when you lie down or take a deep breath. The pain usually gets better if you lean forward or sit up.
Other symptoms may include a mild fever, weakness, and feeling very tired.
Pericarditis usually isn't dangerous. But your chest pain could be caused by something more serious, like a heart attack. Getting diagnosed and treated early can help keep pericarditis from leading to other problems. That's why you should call a doctor right away if you have any kind of sudden chest pain.
If there are no other problems, pericarditis usually goes away on its own in a couple of weeks. During this time:
Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor. If you have complications or the illness gets worse, you may need further treatment. This could include medicines or a procedure to relieve the fluid and pressure around your heart (pericardiocentesis).
Your doctor will listen to your heart during a physical exam. The doctor will also ask questions about your medical history, such as whether you've had a recent illness, radiation treatment for cancer, or tuberculosis. Your doctor may want you to have some tests, including an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and blood tests.
Many things can cause pericarditis, including:
In many cases, the cause is not known.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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