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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Pericarditis: Definition and Overview
Introduction
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, two-layered sac surrounding the heart. This sac contains a small amount of fluid that helps reduce friction when the heart beats. Inflammation of the pericardium can lead to pain and other complications.
Causes of Pericarditis
Pericarditis can occur due to various factors, including: - Viral infections (e.g., Coxsackievirus, Epstein-Barr virus) - Bacterial infections (less common, e.g., tuberculosis) - Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) - Post-heart attack (Dressler’s Syndrome) - Chest trauma or surgery - Certain medications (e.g., hydralazine, procainamide)
Symptoms of Pericarditis
The most common signs include: - Sharp chest pain (often worsens when lying down and improves when sitting up) - Fever - Shortness of breath - Pericardial friction rub (a specific sound heard with a stethoscope) - Swelling in legs or abdomen (if complications like pericardial effusion occur)
Diagnosis of Pericarditis
To diagnose pericarditis, doctors use: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect characteristic changes - Echocardiogram to assess pericardial fluid buildup - Blood tests to check for inflammation (CRP, ESR, troponins) - Chest X-ray or MRI to see heart structure changes
Treatment of Pericarditis
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Common treatments include: - Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen - Colchicine to prevent recurrence - Corticosteroids (in severe or recurrent cases) - Antibiotics (if caused by a bacterial infection) - Pericardiocentesis (a procedure to remove excess fluid if necessary)
Prognosis and Prevention
Most cases of pericarditis are mild and resolve within weeks with proper treatment. However, recurrent or chronic pericarditis can occur in some individuals. Preventive measures include: - Treating underlying infections and autoimmune diseases - Avoiding unnecessary medications that can trigger pericarditis - Monitoring heart health after a heart attack or surgery
Conclusion
Pericarditis is a manageable condition with early diagnosis and proper medical care. If you experience chest pain that worsens when lying down, seek medical attention immediately.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Pericardial Diseases
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.105.561514
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/pericarditis/what-is-pericarditis
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1936878X24001608
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2019.11.021
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Pericardial-Diseases-Guidelines-on-the-Diagnosis-and-Management-of
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Pericardial Diseases
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Pericardial-Diseases-Guidelines-on-the-Diagnosis-and-Management-of
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/36/42/2921/2293375
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26320112/
- https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2015/10/30/12/01/2015-esc-guidelines-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-pericardial-diseases
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15120056/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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