Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, a sac-like structure with two thin layers of tissue that surround the heart to hold it in place and help it work. A small amount of fluid keeps the layers separate so there’s less friction between them as the heart beats. Show
A common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain, caused by the sac’s layers becoming inflamed and possibly rubbing against the heart. It may feel like pain from a heart attack. If you have chest pain, call 911 right away because you may be having a heart attack. Learn about warning signs for a heart attack. OverviewPericarditis can be attributed to several factors, including viral, bacterial, fungal and other infections. Other possible causes of pericarditis include heart attack or heart surgery, other medical conditions, injuries and medications. Pericarditis can be acute, meaning it happens suddenly and typically doesn’t last long. Or the condition may be "chronic," meaning that it develops over time and may take longer to treat. Both types of pericarditis can disrupt your heart’s normal function. In rare cases, pericarditis can have very serious consequences, possibly leading to abnormal heart rhythm and death. OutlookPericarditis is frequently mild and may clear up on its own with rest or simple treatment. Sometimes, more intense treatment is needed to prevent complications. Recovery time from pericarditis may vary depending on the type of condition and the patient’s health. Consultation with a health care professional can determine this. Other names for pericarditis
Causes of pericarditisThe cause of pericarditis is often unknown, though viral infections are a common reason. Pericarditis may occur after a respiratory or digestive system infection. Chronic and recurring pericarditis may be caused by autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis. These are disorders in which the body’s immune system makes antibodies that mistakenly attack the body’s tissues or cells. Other possible causes of pericarditis are:
Who is at risk for pericarditis?Pericarditis affects people of all ages, but men ages 16 to 65 are more likely to develop it. Among those treated for acute pericarditis, up to 30% may experience the condition again, with a small number eventually developing chronic pericarditis. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. Many things cause heart inflammation. Common causes include viral or bacterial infections and medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases. Heart inflammation can happen suddenly or progress slowly and may have severe symptoms or almost no symptoms. You may have different symptoms depending on the type and how serious the heart inflammation is. The treatment your doctor recommends may depend on whether you are diagnosed with inflammation of the lining of your heart or valves, the heart muscle itself, or the tissue surrounding the heart. You may be treated with medicine, procedures, or possibly surgery. Pericardial disease, or pericarditis, is inflammation of any of the layers of the pericardium. The pericardium is a thin tissue sac that surrounds the heart and consists of:
What Causes Pericarditis?Causes of pericarditis include:
For some people, no cause can be found. Pericarditis can be acute (occurring suddenly) or chronic (long-standing). What Are the Symptoms of Pericarditis?When present, symptoms of pericarditis may include:
How Is Pericarditis Diagnosed?Your doctor can diagnose pericarditis based on:
Other tests may be performed to determine the cause of pericarditis. What Is the Treatment for Pericarditis?Treatment of pericarditis is based on the cause and may include:
Most patients recover from pericarditis in two to four weeks. What Is Constrictive Pericarditis?Constrictive pericarditis occurs when the pericardium becomes thickened and scarred. This can make it difficult for the heart to expand with blood. What Are the Symptoms of Constrictive Pericarditis?The symptoms of constrictive pericarditis are the same as pericarditis, with the addition of:
How Is Constrictive Pericarditis Diagnosed?The same tests used to diagnose pericarditis are used to diagnose constrictive pericarditis. Other diagnostic tests used for constrictive pericarditis include: Which heart disease involves the inflammation of all layer of the heart?Pancarditis, inflammation involving the three layers of the heart, (endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium) was considered to be the hallmark of rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
What are inflammatory diseases of the heart?Inflammatory heart disease (IHD) is a group of diseases that includes pericarditis, myocarditis, and endocarditis. Although males appear to be more commonly affected than females, IHD can be seen in any age group.
What is inflammation of the middle layer of the heart called?Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart tissue, specifically the myocardium, the middle layer of the heart wall. Myocarditis affects your heart's electrical system and muscle cells, leading to irregular heart rhythms and problems with your heart's pumping function.
What causes the inflammation of the heart?Common causes include viral or bacterial infections and medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases. Heart inflammation can happen suddenly or progress slowly and may have severe symptoms or almost no symptoms. You may have different symptoms depending on the type and how serious the heart inflammation is.
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