Pericarditis
What is it?
Pericarditis is
an inflammation of the pericardium, which is the sac that surrounds your heart.
What Causes
Pericarditis?
Pericarditis can
be caused by infection, trauma, heart attack, medication, tumors, or may occur following
open heart surgery.
What Are
the Symptoms?
The most common
symptom is chest pain. This pain is usually located in the middle or left side of the
chest. The pain may increase with deep breathing, with swallowing, or when lying flat on
your back. Other symptoms are shortness of breath, fever, chills, and sweating.
While you are
hospitalized, the physician will listen to your heart frequently for new heart sounds that
may develop.
Diagnosis
It is often difficult to determine the cause of
pericarditis, and
sometimes many tests are needed. Blood samples will need to be obtained to test for
infection.
The two most
common ways of diagnosing pericarditis are by electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. An
electrocardiogram documents the natural electrical impulses of the heartbeats. An
echocardiogram uses sound waves to evaluate the structure and function of the heart.
A test called
pericardiocentesis may also need to be conducted. During this test, a small sample of
fluid is removed from the sac around the heart. After the skin of the chest is numbed, a
physician carefully inserts a needle into the heart sac and withdraws a sample of the
fluid that normally sits around the heart. This fluid is then sent to a laboratory where
it is tested for bacteria.
What Is the
Treatment?
Medical treatment for pericarditis
includes hospitalization and rest. Patients with pericarditis usually feel most
comfortable sitting up and leaning forward. Pain and inflammation can be controlled by the
use of medications. If the cause is due to infection, antibiotics will also be prescribed.
What About
After Discharge?
Continue to take
the medications(s) as ordered by your physician.
Watch for
recurring signs and symptoms of pericarditis, such as fever and chest pain.
Report these
symptoms to your physician immediately.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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