Pericarditis Adult
Overview
Causes
The cause of pericarditis is often unknown. Some causes may be:
- Infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites
- Heart attack
- Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus
- Cancer that has spread from a tumor near the heart
- Kidney failure
- Injury or surgery affecting the chest, esophagus, or heart
- Radiation therapy
- Certain medicines used to suppress the immune system
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Symptoms of pericarditis may include:
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain—worsens with breathing in or lying down
- Problems breathing
- Fever and chills
- Fast heartbeats
- Pain when swallowing
- Weakness and tiredness
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will listen for abnormal sounds in the heart or lung.
Images of the heart and chest will confirm the diagnosis. They may be taken with:
- Chest x-ray
- ECG —shows the electrical activity of the heart
- Echocardiogram —shows how well the heart muscle is working
- MRI scan or CT scan —detailed images of tissue in the chest
Other tests may be needed to find the cause. Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Pericardiocentesis—test of fluid around the heart
Treatments
Treatment
The main goal is to ease pain and swelling. If a cause is known, it will be treated as well.
Mild swelling will often pass in a few weeks or month. Care may include:
- Rest
- NSAID medicine to reduce swelling
- Follow up with your doctor to check on progress
Severe swelling can be an emergency. It may make it hard for the heart to beat. Hospital care may be needed. Treatment may include:
- Removing fluid from the heart sac. The fluid is removed with a needle.
- Surgery to open the sac. This will ease pressure on the heart. This is a rare option.
Other inflammatory diseases raise the risk of pericarditis. It may last longer or tend to recur. A treatment plan will be made to help decrease the risk of more problems.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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