Pericarditis
Jorge Garcia
What is pericarditis?
Pericarditis is swelling and irritation of the pericardium, the thin membrane surrounding your heart
Men aged 20-50 are most likely to get it.
Symptoms
Sharp, stabbing pain in chest that can travel to neck
Shortness of breath while reclining
Heart Palpatations
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at your medical history and give you a physical exam and listen to your heartbeat for a noise called a pericardial rub.
They may also perform other tests such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Chest X-Ray
- Echocardiogram
- CT scan/ MRI
Treatment
- Over the counter pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Advil, etc.)
- Colchicine
If medications do not work, a procedure called Pericardiocentesis may be performed to remove fluid from the sac
Prognosis
The outcome is good if treated right away (could recover in a couple of weeks).
However, scarring or thickening of the pericardium occur when it becomes severe (constrictive pericarditis), which can lead to death.
Pericarditis