Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, two-layered sac surrounding the heart. This protective lining helps hold the heart in place and contains a small amount of fluid that allows the layers to move smoothly as the heart beats. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, the layers can become irritated and rub against each other, often causing chest pain.
Pericarditis can develop suddenly or persist for weeks or longer, depending on its cause and type. In many cases, it is mild and improves with treatment, but some cases can lead to fluid buildup around the heart or other serious complications. Because chest pain from pericarditis can resemble a heart attack or other emergency conditions, new or unexplained chest pain should be evaluated promptly at an emergency room in Crosby, TX.
What Causes Pericarditis?
Pericarditis can have many possible causes, and sometimes no specific cause can be identified. When no clear cause is found, the condition may be described as idiopathic pericarditis. Viral infections are among the causes associated with pericarditis, while other infections and medical conditions can also contribute. Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Viral infections: Viruses can cause inflammation of the pericardium and are a common suspected cause when no other cause is identified.
- Bacterial or fungal infections: These are less common but can cause significant inflammation.
- Heart attack: Inflammation can develop after heart muscle injury.
- Heart surgery or chest injury: Trauma or procedures involving the heart can irritate the pericardium.
- Autoimmune conditions: Conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation that affects the pericardium.
- Kidney disease: Severe kidney failure can be associated with pericarditis.
- Cancer: Certain cancers can involve the pericardium or contribute to inflammation.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation involving the chest can sometimes affect the pericardium.
- Certain medications: Some medications have been associated with pericarditis as a rare side effect.
What Are the Symptoms of Pericarditis?
Chest pain is the most common symptom of pericarditis. The pain is often sharp or stabbing and may occur behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest. It can spread to the shoulder, neck, or back.
A characteristic feature of pericarditis is that chest pain may become worse when lying down, coughing, or taking a deep breath. It often improves when sitting upright or leaning forward. However, not everyone experiences the same pattern of symptoms. Other possible symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, particularly when lying down
- Low-grade fever
- Dry cough
- Fatigue or weakness
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, or abdomen
- General feelings of illness
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What Does Pericarditis Chest Pain Feel Like?
Pericarditis chest pain is commonly described as sharp, stabbing, or piercing. It may be felt in the center or left side of the chest and can sometimes radiate toward the shoulders or neck. The pain may become more noticeable when you lie flat, cough, swallow, or take a deep breath. Sitting up and leaning forward may provide some relief. This pattern can occur because inflammation causes the layers of the pericardium to become irritated as they move.
However, chest pain has many possible causes. Do not assume chest pain is pericarditis simply because it changes with position or breathing. A healthcare professional may need to perform an examination and testing to determine the cause, especially if symptoms require evaluation at an ER near me.
What Are the Types of Pericarditis?
Pericarditis can be classified based on how long symptoms last and whether they return. The main types include acute, recurrent, incessant, and chronic pericarditis.
Acute Pericarditis
Acute pericarditis develops suddenly and generally lasts less than several weeks. Chest pain and inflammation may appear quickly, sometimes following an infection or another inflammatory event.
Recurrent Pericarditis
Recurrent pericarditis occurs when symptoms return after a period of improvement. People who have previously experienced pericarditis may have another episode, particularly when inflammation continues or returns after treatment.
Incessant Pericarditis
Incessant pericarditis refers to symptoms that continue for several weeks rather than resolving within the expected period.
Chronic Pericarditis
Chronic pericarditis lasts for several months or longer. Long-term inflammation can sometimes cause thickening and scarring of the pericardium, which may interfere with normal heart function.
Is Pericarditis Serious?
Pericarditis can be mild, but it can also cause serious complications. The severity depends on the underlying cause, the amount of inflammation, whether fluid accumulates around the heart, and how the condition responds to treatment.
One potential complication is pericardial effusion, which occurs when excess fluid builds up in the space around the heart. If enough fluid accumulates, it can place pressure on the heart and interfere with its ability to fill properly. This can lead to cardiac tamponade, a potentially life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention at an emergency facility with appropriate ER wait times information.
Another possible complication is constrictive pericarditis, in which the pericardium becomes thickened or scarred and restricts the heart’s normal movement. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in the legs or abdomen.
What Is Pericardial Effusion?
A pericardial effusion is an abnormal buildup of fluid around the heart. A small amount of fluid normally exists between the layers of the pericardium, but inflammation can cause additional fluid to collect.
Small effusions may not cause noticeable symptoms. Larger or rapidly developing effusions can place pressure on the heart. When this pressure prevents the heart from filling and pumping blood effectively, cardiac tamponade can occur and requires emergency treatment.
How Is Pericarditis Diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals diagnose pericarditis by considering your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and test results. Because its symptoms can resemble those of a heart attack and other serious conditions, testing is often important when someone has new chest pain.
Tests that may be used include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records the heart’s electrical activity and may show changes associated with pericarditis.
- Blood tests: Can identify signs of inflammation and help evaluate for heart muscle injury or infection.
- Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of the heart and can detect fluid around it.
- Chest X-ray: Can help identify changes involving the heart, lungs, or surrounding structures.
- Cardiac CT: Provides detailed images of the heart and pericardium and may help identify thickening or other abnormalities.
- Cardiac MRI: Can provide detailed images showing inflammation, thickening, or other changes affecting the pericardium.
How Long Does Pericarditis Last?
The duration of pericarditis varies. Acute cases generally improve within several weeks, while recurrent or chronic forms can last longer or return after a period without symptoms. Recovery depends on the underlying cause, severity of inflammation, response to treatment, and whether complications develop. Following the recommended treatment plan and limiting strenuous activity when advised can support recovery and may reduce the risk of recurrence.
When to Seek Emergency Care?
Pericarditis can sometimes be mild, but chest pain should never be assumed to be harmless without appropriate evaluation. Because pericarditis and heart attacks can cause similar symptoms, urgent assessment may be necessary to determine what is causing the pain. If you develop sudden or severe chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, severe dizziness, or other concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. Prompt evaluation at Neighbors Emergency Center can help identify potentially serious heart or lung conditions and determine whether treatment is needed.
Key Takeaways
- Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart.
- Sharp chest pain is the most common symptom and may worsen when lying down or taking a deep breath.
- Causes can include infections, autoimmune conditions, heart injury, surgery, and certain medications.
- Diagnosis may involve an ECG, blood tests, echocardiogram, X-ray, CT, or MRI.
- Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medicines, colchicine, rest, or treatment for an underlying cause.
- Serious complications can include pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, and constrictive pericarditis.
- New or unexplained chest pain requires prompt emergency evaluation, since it can resemble a heart attack.
FAQs About Pericarditis
Is pericarditis a heart attack?
No. Pericarditis is inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, while a heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. However, both can cause chest pain, so new chest pain requires prompt medical evaluation.
Is pericarditis contagious?
Pericarditis itself is not generally considered contagious. However, an infection that contributes to pericarditis, such as a viral infection, may be contagious.
Can pericarditis cause shortness of breath?
Yes. Pericarditis can cause difficulty breathing, particularly when lying down. Shortness of breath can also occur if complications such as significant fluid buildup develop.
Can you have pericarditis without chest pain?
Chest pain is a common symptom, particularly with acute pericarditis, but symptoms can vary. Chronic pericarditis may sometimes cause symptoms such as fatigue, coughing, shortness of breath, or swelling without prominent chest pain.
Can pericarditis go away on its own?
Some mild cases may improve without extensive treatment, but chest pain should still be evaluated to determine the cause and rule out more serious conditions. Treatment may be needed to control inflammation and prevent complications or recurrence.
Does pericarditis damage the heart?
Pericarditis primarily affects the tissue surrounding the heart rather than the heart muscle itself. However, complications such as cardiac tamponade or constrictive pericarditis can interfere with normal heart function and require medical treatment.