What is pericarditis?
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Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:The membrane that surrounds and protects your heart is known as the pericardium.
When this membrane becomes inflamed, the condition is known as pericarditis. It occurs in two forms: acute (sudden and short-lived) and chronic (persistent over long periods).
The most common type of acute pericarditis, caused by a viral infection, generally resolves itself with no permanent damage or treatment. Acute pericarditis caused by bacterial infection, however, may cause fluid to accumulate in the space between the pericardium and the heart (pericardial effusion) and interfere with the heart's ability to function properly. This may result in severe symptoms and may even be fatal unless the fluid is promptly removed.
The pain caused by acute pericarditis is described as severe and sudden (different from angina) which may spread to the neck, back, shoulders or arms, and is often worse when breathing deeply or changing position and relieved by sitting up or leaning forward.
In chronic pericarditis, ongoing inflammation scars and thickens the pericardium (known as constrictive pericarditis) so that it constricts and hinders the heart's ability to fill with returning blood. Constrictive pericarditis nearly always leads to progressive heart failure.
Patients with chronic pericarditis usually experience swelling in the legs and abdomen (due to fluid retention), difficulty breathing, and general fatigue.
The membrane that surrounds and protects your heart is known as the pericardium. When this membrane becomes inflamed, the condition is known as pericarditis. It occurs in two forms: acute (sudden and short-lived) and chronic (persistent over long... More -
Dr. William D. Knopf of Piedmont Heart Institute answered:Pericarditis (PER-i-kar-DI-tis) is a condition in which the membrane, or sac, around your heart is inflamed. This sac is called the pericardium (per-i-KAR-de-um).
The pericardium holds the heart in place and helps it work properly. The sac is made of two thin layers of tissue that enclose your heart. Between the two layers is a small amount of fluid. This fluid keeps the layers from rubbing against each other and causing friction.
In pericarditis, the layers of tissue become inflamed and can rub against the heart. This causes chest pain—a common symptom of pericarditis.
The chest pain from pericarditis may feel like pain from a heart attack. If you have chest pain, you should call 9–1–1 right away, as you may be having a heart attack.
This answer from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has been reviewed and/or edited by Dr. William D. Knopf.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulPericarditis (PER-i-kar-DI-tis) is a condition in which the membrane, or sac, around your heart is inflamed. This sac is called the pericardium (per-i-KAR-de-um). The pericardium holds the heart in place and helps it work properly. The sac is made... More -
Healthwise answered: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. But if pericarditis causes excess fluid to build up quickly, pressure on the heart increases (cardiac tamponade), and the heart may fail.
The most common cause of pericarditis is infection with a virus. Other causes include bacterial infection, heart attack, chest injury, and medicine side effects.
Symptoms of pericarditis include:
- Severe, sudden pain in the center or the left side of the chest that may spread to the neck, back, shoulders, or arms. Breathing deeply, moving, or lying down often makes the pain worse. Sitting up and leaning forward may relieve the pain.
- Mild fever.
- A general feeling of weakness or fatigue.
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.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulPericarditis 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... More -
SecondsCount.org answered:Pericarditis is a condition in which the sac-like tissue that surrounds the heart (called the pericardium) becomes inflamed, swollen or irritated. The amount of fluid that surrounds the heart within the pericardial sac can increase and cause a condition called a pericardial effusion.
An electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity may show signs of pericarditis, and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) is the definitive test to assess for the build-up of fluid around the heart. A characteristic sound called a pericardial rub may be heard with a stethoscope, though it will not be present if the collection of fluid is large. Other tests that can help diagnose pericarditis include imaging tests such computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
There are many causes of pericarditis. In many cases, doctors cannot determine the exact cause. Viral infections, bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, kidney failure, medications that suppress the immune system, and injury to the chest can result in pericarditis.
Pericarditis is a condition in which the sac-like tissue that surrounds the heart (called the pericardium) becomes inflamed, swollen or irritated. The amount of fluid that surrounds the heart within the pericardial sac can increase and cause a... More -
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac that houses the heart. This inflammation causes a thickening and roughening of the membrane, and an accumulation of fluid which may impair the heart’s ability to expand. Most pericarditis in this country is caused by a viral infection, but the disease also may be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. There is also a noninfectious pericarditis; causes include disease of the underlying heart muscle, injury, and other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, or kidney failure. Pericarditis is often treated with anti-inflammatory medicine or oral steroids, with surgery being recommended only for treatment failures.Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac that houses the heart. This inflammation causes a thickening and roughening of the membrane, and an accumulation of fluid which may impair the heart’s ability to expand. Most... More
