What is Pericarditis ?
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, double-layered sac that surrounds and protects the heart. This fluid-filled membrane helps reduce friction during heartbeats.
Symptoms of Pericarditis
- 1. Chest pain – sharp, worse when lying down
- 2. Shortness of breath – especially when reclining
- 3. Heart palpitations – pounding or racing heartbeat
- 4. Fatigue – persistent tiredness or weakness
- 5. Low-grade fever – mild temperature rise
- 6. Cough – often dry and persistent
- 7. Swelling – in legs, feet, or abdomen (in severe cases).
Understanding the Impacts of Pericarditis on Your Health
The main impact of pericarditis is chest pain and discomfort, which can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life. If left untreated, it may lead to serious complications such as pericardial effusion (fluid buildup around the heart) or constrictive pericarditis, where the heart's movement becomes restricted due to scarring. A hidden impact is the emotional stress and anxiety caused by persistent symptoms and fear of heart-related conditions, which may further affect mental well-being and overall health.
Consult Our Cardiologist
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Dr. Mohamed Elamin, MBBS, BSC., MRCP, CC... : Specializes in cardiology with a focus on pericarditis and its therapeutic management.
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Dr. Satish Kumar Epari, MBBS , MD , DNB : Board-certified cardiologist with expertise in pericarditis and cardiovascular care.
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Dr. Saravanan Palaniappan, MBBS, MD (INTERNAL M... : Experienced cardiologist specializing in pericarditis, known for a compassionate approach to patient care.
Importance and Benefits of Consulting a Cardiologist Online
Consulting a cardiologist is crucial, especially in the early stages of pericarditis, as timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications. Pericarditis affects people globally, with a greater impact in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where tuberculosis and HIV are common. In areas with limited healthcare, delayed diagnosis leads to more severe outcomes. In developed countries like the United States, recent increases in cases have been linked to viral infections like COVID-19, particularly in young adult males.
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Easily connect with expert Cardiologists specializing in pericarditis through our user-friendly platform. Choose your preferred doctor, schedule a convenient video or audio consultation, and receive a personalized assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Our service also offers electronic prescriptions and medical certificates for comprehensive and seamless cardiac care.
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FAQ
Pericarditis occurs due to inflammation of the pericardium, the heart's protective sac. This condition can be triggered by various factors, including viral infections like the flu, COVID-19, or Coxsackie virus, as well as bacterial infections such as tuberculosis. Autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may also contribute, along with complications following heart surgery or a heart attack. In certain cases, cancer, kidney failure, or specific medications can be underlying causes. However, in many instances, the exact reason remains unclear, leading to a diagnosis of idiopathic pericarditis.
The treatment of pericarditis aims to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms. In most cases, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or colchicine are used to alleviate pain and swelling. For more severe or prolonged cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed. If an infection is the underlying cause, antibiotics or antiviral drugs may be necessary. In situations where fluid accumulates around the heart, leading to pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade, procedures like pericardiocentesis may be performed to remove excess fluid. Individuals with recurrent or persistent pericarditis may require ongoing treatment and regular monitoring by a cardiologist to maintain heart health and prevent complications.
Pericarditis can range from mild to severe, depending on its cause and how quickly it is identified and treated. In many instances, it is mild and can resolve with rest and medication. However, if left untreated or if it recurs, it may lead to serious complications such as pericardial effusion (accumulation of fluid around the heart), cardiac tamponade (excessive pressure on the heart due to fluid buildup), or constrictive pericarditis (thickening and scarring of the pericardium). These conditions can impair heart function and potentially become life-threatening. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to preventing long-term damage and ensuring recovery.
Pericarditis complications include pericardial effusion (fluid buildup), cardiac tamponade (pressure restricting heart function), and constrictive pericarditis (thickening and scarring of the pericardium). Some may experience chronic or recurrent symptoms, and in rare cases, prolonged inflammation can lead to heart failure. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing serious health effects.