Pericarditis
Also called: Acute pericarditis
Inflammation of the thin sac around the heart. It causes sharp chest pain that worsens when lying down or breathing in and improves when sitting forward.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Viral infection (most common)
- After heart attack or heart surgery
- Autoimmune disease
- Kidney failure
- Tuberculosis (in endemic regions)
- Cancer
Risk factors
- Recent viral illness
- Heart surgery
- Autoimmune conditions
Symptoms
- Sharp central chest pain, worse lying flat or breathing in, eased by leaning forward
- Fever
- Breathlessness
- Pericardial rub heard with a stethoscope
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- ECG (widespread ST elevation)
- Echocardiography for fluid (effusion)
- Blood tests: CRP, troponin
- Chest X-ray
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- High-dose NSAIDs (ibuprofen) or aspirin
- Colchicine for 3 months to prevent recurrence
- Steroids only in selected cases
Operations and procedures
- Pericardiocentesis to drain large effusions or tamponade
- Pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Rest; avoid strenuous exercise until symptoms and markers settle
Possible complications
- Cardiac tamponade (emergency)
- Recurrent pericarditis
- Constrictive pericarditis
Prevention
- No specific prevention for viral cases
Outlook
Most people recover fully within weeks; about 1 in 4 have a recurrence without colchicine.
When to see a doctor
Chest pain always needs prompt assessment; seek emergency care for chest pain with faintness or severe breathlessness.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
Educational overview, not medical advice. Treatment varies by person and location. Consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis or care. Read our content and model notes and privacy information.