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What Is Pericarditis and Could You Have It?

Pericarditis is a disease where the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium) is swollen or inflamed. The actual cause is still unknown, although research has shown that viral infections could be a cause. Pericarditis usually shows symptoms in the digestive or respiratory system after infection. Although the condition alone is not a cause for concern, it can cause severe chest pain and high temperature. Immediate medical attention is required if the condition persists for long periods.  

Pericarditis Symptoms: 

Pericarditis symptoms are often mistaken for the symptoms of a heart attack as they are similar. Here are a few main symptoms of pericarditis:

  • Pricking pain in the chest can alternate between the center and towards the left side. The intensity of pain might vary depending on whether the patient is leaning forward or backward.
  • Varying heartbeat or palpitations
  • Light fever
  • Dry cough
  • Pain in the shoulder region
  • Light swelling in abdomen or legs
  • Feeling of weakness

Swelling in feet, legs, or ankles can also be a symptom of constrictive pericarditis, which is a serious condition, wherein the pericardium becomes thick/hard. Due to this, the heart muscles find it difficult to expand, which causes blood to rush back into the lung, abdomen, and legs. Immediate medical attention is required.

If pericarditis is left untreated for a long duration, it can lead to the development of more severe complications.

Causes of Pericarditis:

Although the actual cause for pericarditis has not been found, here are a few infections that could lead to such a condition:

  • Viral pericarditis is caused because of a virus, most probably because of a gastrointestinal virus.
  • Bacteria could also cause pericarditis, bacteria from tuberculosis.
  • Fungal infection could also lead to pericarditis
  • Parasitic infections can also result in pericarditis 

People who have undergone heart surgery, radiation therapy, have a history of heart attacks or any heart diseases are also prone to this health condition. It may take several weeks before the body shows any sign of the above-listed symptoms. According to research, around 15-30% of patients are in danger of contracting the disease again. Therefore, patients diagnosed with this condition must be extra careful with their hygiene and overall lifestyle. They must establish a clean and healthy living environment to prevent themselves from getting the disease again.

Treatment/Cure:

Your doctor might look for a sharp pain in your chest or the back of your shoulders, which may be mistaken for a heart attack. He would then take your complete medical history and check for any prior heart diseases or heart conditions and infections. He would then suggest a few diagnostic tests of your heart, which could be a chest x-ray, ECG, or a Cardiac MRI.

Normally, a mild case of pericarditis should get healed on its own. If the case is more severe, then the following treatment methods might be implemented:

  • Medication for pain. E.g.: ibuprofen or aspirin
  • Based on the cause of pericarditis, the patient might require an antibiotic.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs such as colchicines.
  • The treatment for pericarditis is largely only medications, but if there is fluid buildup, the patient might require a procedure called pericardiocentesis. 

In most cases, patients who recover from pericarditis can return to normal day-to-day activities. Any further lifestyle changes or hygiene changes might be suggested by your doctor.