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What are the Symptoms of Pericarditis?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Pericarditis is the swelling of the tissue surrounding the heart, called the pericardium. In some cases, a heart attack, surgery on the heart, certain medications or infections can cause pericarditis. Pericarditis can also present in people who are completely healthy but may have recently had a minor virus. When no direct cause can be found, doctors label this latter form as idiopathic pericarditis.

Pericarditis is characterized by extreme pain in the chest. Usually the pain is felt below the sternum or breastbone. Pain worsens with breathing. This pain should not be dismissed as pericarditis, which generally resolves on its own, but requires immediate medical attention. Similar pain is felt upon experiencing a heart attack or other serious conditions, and needs to be assessed immediately.

Chest pain from pericarditis may increase or decrease when one changes positions. Lying down may be particularly uncomfortable. Even a transition from sitting to standing can cause the pain of pericarditis to either improve or get worse.

A slight fever can indicate a pericardial effusion, a symptom of pericarditis.
A slight fever can indicate a pericardial effusion, a symptom of pericarditis.

People experiencing pericarditis may also notice painful feelings in their neck and/or back. Pain in the stomach accompanied by pain in the chest can be exceptionally dangerous, and does not usually indicate pericarditis. Instead, this can signify rupture of part of the intestinal tract, a life-threatening emergency.

Pericarditis may also be accompanied by pericardial effusions, an accumulation of fluid between the pericardium and the heart. A slight fever, and a feeling of intense irritability usually accompany pericardial effusions. Certain conditions, like recent surgery on the heart may make one more disposed to pericardial effusions. The condition can also arise from infection of the heart.

Pericarditis is characterized by extreme pain in the chest.
Pericarditis is characterized by extreme pain in the chest.

In some cases, volume of fluid accumulation can place pressure on the heart and restrict its movement. Usually, those affected may have to take diuretics to help the body flush the fluid, or in worst cases, a tap of the pericardium is done to remove the fluid via needle. Though this procedure sounds frightening, it is often performed and has a high rate of success.

In all cases, those suspecting pericarditis should seek immediate medical treatment. Diagnosis can confirm pericarditis, or point to other very serious conditions that can be life threatening.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

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    • A slight fever can indicate a pericardial effusion, a symptom of pericarditis.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      A slight fever can indicate a pericardial effusion, a symptom of pericarditis.
    • Pericarditis is characterized by extreme pain in the chest.
      By: nuiiko
      Pericarditis is characterized by extreme pain in the chest.
    • Lying down may be particularly uncomfortable with pericarditis.
      By: antiksu
      Lying down may be particularly uncomfortable with pericarditis.
    • Individuals who have experienced a recent heart attack or sustained trauma to the chest and heart may develop pericarditis.
      By: hriana
      Individuals who have experienced a recent heart attack or sustained trauma to the chest and heart may develop pericarditis.
    • The pain associated with pericarditis worsens with breathing.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      The pain associated with pericarditis worsens with breathing.
    • Symptoms of pericarditis may include irritability.
      By: Alliance
      Symptoms of pericarditis may include irritability.