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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 condition can lead to chest pain and other symptoms, often mimicking those of a heart attack.
Causes of Pericarditis
Pericarditis can be caused by various factors, including: - Viral infections (such as Coxsackievirus, influenza, or COVID-19) - Bacterial infections (such as tuberculosis) - Autoimmune diseases (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) - Post-heart attack inflammation (Dressler’s syndrome) - Medications or radiation therapy - Metabolic disorders (such as kidney failure)
Symptoms of Pericarditis
The most common symptom of pericarditis is sharp, stabbing chest pain that may improve when sitting up and worsen when lying down. Other symptoms include: - Fever - Shortness of breath - Fatigue - Heart palpitations
Diagnosis
Pericarditis is diagnosed using: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) – may show characteristic ST-segment elevations - Echocardiogram – evaluates pericardial fluid - Blood tests – to assess inflammation markers (CRP, ESR) - Chest X-ray or MRI – to detect pericardial thickening or effusion
Treatment
The treatment of pericarditis depends on its cause. It may involve: - NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) – to reduce inflammation and pain - Colchicine – to prevent recurrent episodes - Corticosteroids – used in severe or refractory cases - Antibiotics – if bacterial infection is present - Pericardiocentesis – drainage of excess fluid if a pericardial effusion develops
Prognosis
Most cases of pericarditis resolve within a few weeks with proper treatment. However, complications like cardiac tamponade or chronic pericarditis can occur and require further management.
Source recommendations
1. 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/39/3826/6675076
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
2. American Heart Association Guidelines for Pericardial Diseases
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.105.561514
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2019.11.021
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1936878X24001608
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/pericarditis/what-is-pericarditis
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/01/07/10/59/Management-of-Acute-and-Recurrent-Pericarditis
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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!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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