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Pericarditis
Urgent
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart. It can cause sharp chest pain that may become worse with deep breathing or lying down and improve when sitting forward. Viral infections are a common cause, but other infections, autoimmune diseases, medications, injury, and medical procedures can also contribute. Some cases resolve on their own, while others require treatment. Complications such as fluid accumulation around the heart can occur and may interfere with normal heart function.
Body System
Heart & Blood Vessels
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical attention for severe or persistent chest pain, significant shortness of breath, fainting, a very rapid heartbeat, high fever with worsening illness, or rapidly increasing symptoms. Severe chest pain or breathing difficulty requires emergency evaluation.
Symptoms
3
Causes
2
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart. It can cause sharp chest pain that may become worse with deep breathing or lying down and improve when sitting forward. Viral infections are a common cause, but other infections, autoimmune diseases, medications, injury, and medical procedures can also contribute. Some cases resolve on their own, while others require treatment. Complications such as fluid accumulation around the heart can occur and may interfere with normal heart function.
Symptoms 3
Chest Pain
Coughing Blood
Pain During Bowel Movement
Causes 2
Pericarditis can be caused by viral infections and, less commonly, bacterial or other infections. It may also occur because of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, kidney failure, cancer, chest injury, radiation therapy, or certain medicines. Pericarditis can develop after a heart attack or heart surgery. In some cases, the cause remains unknown and is described as idiopathic. Identifying the underlying cause is important because treatment and risk of recurrence vary.
Autoimmune Disorder
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk factors for pericarditis include recent viral or other infections, autoimmune diseases, kidney failure, cancer, previous heart surgery, chest injury, radiation exposure, and certain medicines. A previous episode of pericarditis increases the chance of recurrence. People with systemic inflammatory diseases may be particularly susceptible. In many cases, however, no specific risk factor or cause is identified.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Pericarditis is diagnosed using the history, characteristic chest pain, physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood tests, and cardiac imaging. An electrocardiogram may show changes associated with inflammation, while blood tests can identify markers of inflammation or heart injury. Echocardiography can detect fluid around the heart and assess its effect on cardiac function. Chest imaging and additional tests may help identify an underlying infection, autoimmune condition, or other cause.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Some causes of pericarditis cannot be prevented, but managing underlying inflammatory or systemic conditions and following medical advice after infections or heart procedures may reduce risk in certain situations
People with a previous episode should follow recommendations intended to reduce recurrence
New or unexplained chest pain should be assessed promptly because pericarditis can resemble other serious heart and lung conditions
Preventive measures depend largely on the underlying cause
Prevention Guidance
Some causes of pericarditis cannot be prevented, but managing underlying inflammatory or systemic conditions and following medical advice after infections or heart procedures may reduce risk in certain situations. People with a previous episode should follow recommendations intended to reduce recurrence. New or unexplained chest pain should be assessed promptly because pericarditis can resemble other serious heart and lung conditions. Preventive measures depend largely on the underlying cause.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Fresh Fruits
Support recovery and immunity.
Vegetables
Provide antioxidants.
Adequate Fluids
Support overall health.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May interfere with recovery.
Highly Processed Foods
May increase inflammation.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Pericarditis is inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart.
Viral infections and autoimmune diseases are common causes.
Sharp chest pain and fever are common symptoms.
ECG, echocardiography, and blood tests are used.
Yes, most cases improve with proper treatment.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.