PERICARDITIS

 Basic information

description

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium. The pericardium is a sac (thin membrane) around the heart. It has two layers, with a small amount of "lubricating" fluid between them. The fluid lets the heart move around within the sac. With inflammation, the heart can become squeezed inside the sac. The disorder occurs more often in men ages 20 to 50.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Usually a sharp, stabbing pain in the front of the chest. In some, the pain may be dull and achy. The pain moves to the neck, arm, and shoulder. The pain worsens with breathing and movement and eases when sitting up or leaning forward.
• Rapid breathing.
• Cough.
• Fever, sweating, and chills.
• Weakness.
• Anxiety.
• Pain with swallowing.

causes

The inflammation is a reaction to injury, infection, or irritation of the heart lining. It can be caused by a number of different factors or the cause may be unknown.

risk increases with

• Males and ages 20 to 50.
• Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus.
• Complication of a heart attack.
• Complication following heart surgery.
• Complication of a chest injury.
• Viral, bacterial, tuberculous, amebic, toxoplasmotic, or fungal infection.
• Chronic kidney failure or dialysis.
• Spread of cancer to the pericardium.
• Radiation therapy.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures. To avoid risk factors, get treatment for disorders that may lead to pericarditis.

expected outcomes

Usually curable with treatment. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for healing. It may recur one or more times in the next 6 to 12 months.

possible complications

• Pericarditis becomes chronic if it lasts for 6 to 12 months following the initial (acute) episode.
• Excess fluid in the pericardium affects heart function.
• Pericardium becomes thick and scarred.
• Blood circulation problems.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Medical tests may include blood studies, chest x-ray, heart tests (electrocardiogram and echocardiogram), and others.
• Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and treating the underlying disorder. Treatment may include drugs and, sometimes, hospital care.
• Hospital care may be needed if there are complications. A needle may be used to draw off excess fluid if it is causing problems for heart function. Rarely, surgery may be needed on the pericardium.
• Apply a heating pad or warm compresses to the chest to relieve pain.
• To learn more: American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231; (800) 242-8721; website: www.americanheart.org.

medications

• Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation are usually prescribed.
• Steroid drugs for severe forms of pericarditis may be prescribed.
• Stronger pain drugs may be prescribed.
• Drugs to treat any infection (bacterial, fungal, etc.) will be prescribed.

activity

• Rest in bed until fever and pain subside.
• Resume your normal activities gradually.
• Follow medical advice about when to resume sexual relations.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of pericarditis.
• The following occur during treatment: fever, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat, cough (with blood), unexplained weight loss, or increased pain.

Special Notes: