What You Should Know About Pericarditis

Pericarditis, in simplest terms, is the inflammation and irritation of the pericardium — a thin, two-layered, fluid-filled, and saclike membrane that covers the outer surface of your heart. The pericardium performs a number of functions but mainly serves to shield the heart from infection and prevent the heart from over-expanding when blood volume increases. If your heart is functioning efficiently, then your pericardium is doing its job.

Inflammation of the pericardium, or pericarditis, is usually an acute condition. It comes on suddenly and lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The condition may be considered chronic if symptoms develop gradually or persist; however, most cases are minor and improve on their own. In this article, Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC, the best heart doctor in Tampa Bay, explains everything you need to know about pericarditis.

What Are the Symptoms of Pericarditis?

Pericarditis is classified into different types, depending on how long symptoms last and the pattern of symptoms experienced. The two main types of pericarditis are acute pericarditis and chronic pericarditis. Acute pericarditis typically lasts under three weeks and is most frequently accompanied by chest pain that:

Is sharp and stabbing, beneath the breastbone or in the left side of your chest
Is dull and pressure-like
May become worse when you cough, take a deep breath, or lie flat
Feels better when you lean forward or sit up

At times, it may become difficult to distinguish pericardial pain from the pain that occurs during a heart attack. Chronic pericarditis, on the other hand, lasts longer than three months and is associated with chronic inflammation and fluid around the heart as well as chest pain. You may experience anything from pain in your back, neck, or left shoulder to anxiety and fatigue. If the pericardium thickens, then you may see your legs, feet, and ankles begin to swell. If you have any of the following symptoms, including shortness of breath, swelling, water retention, or heart palpitations, contact a Tampa heart doctor to schedule a consultation.

What Causes Pericarditis?

Most often, the cause of pericarditis is unknown. This is referred to as idiopathic pericarditis. That being said, there are many potential causes of pericarditis, both infectious and noninfectious. Infectious causes can include bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, as well as viral infections, such as a gastrointestinal virus. Although rare, fungi and parasites can also lead to pericarditis.

Noninfectious causes include cardiovascular issues, such as surgery or a previous heart attack. Certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, can cause pericarditis too. Other causes include chest injury, kidney failure, tumors, and medications that suppress the immune system. Generally speaking, your risk for developing pericarditis is higher after a heart attack, radiation therapy, or heart surgery, if inflammation occurs as a response to the procedure or condition. Approximately 15 to 30 percent of patients with pericarditis experience repeat episodes that come and go for many years.

What Does Diagnosis and Treatment Look Like?

Diagnosing pericarditis requires an examination of your medical history, a physical exam, and a test to determine whether your heart is inflamed or contains excess fluid in the pericardium. There is a wide variety of tests used in diagnosis, including:

Chest X-ray
EKG
Echocardiogram
MRI
CT scan
Right heart catheterization
Blood test

Treatment options for pericarditis will ultimately depend on whether or not the underlying cause is known. For example, if you have a bacterial infection, you will be given antibiotics. Otherwise, treatment will aim to reduce pain and inflammation. Depending on the severity and time span of your symptoms, you may be given aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If fluid continues to build up in the pericardium, you may eventually need to have the fluid drained via a surgical procedure. If you or a loved one is suffering from any of the symptoms previously discussed, it’s time to receive an evaluation from Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC, the best heart doctor in Tampa Bay, for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

To consult Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC, a Tampa heart doctor, please call (813) 344-0934 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

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Jesal V. Popat, M.D.

Interventional Cardiologist