Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium (the fibrous sac surrounding the heart). Pericarditis often causes chest pain and sometimes other symptoms. Pericarditis may be acute or chronic. The sharp chest pain associated with acute pericarditis occurs when the pericardium rubs against the heart's outer layer.

Pericarditis can be caused by infection, heart attack, autoimmune disorders, chest trauma, cancer, kidney failure, or drugs. Infections that can cause pericarditis include viral infections, bacterial infections, tuberculosis, and fungal infections. Autoimmune disorders that can cause pericarditis include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. Pericarditis occurs in up to 15% of patients who have acute myocardial infarctions (heart attacks).

Pericarditis is more common in males than in females. Pericarditis most often affects men aged 20-50, usually following respiratory infections. In children, it is most commonly caused by adenovirus or coxsackie virus. Pericarditis can be misdiagnosed as myocardial infarction, and vice versa. The most common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain. The pain is predominantly felt below the breastbone (sternum) and/or below the ribs on the left side of the chest and, occasionally, in the upper back or neck. Changes in position can increase or decrease pressure on and irritation of the inflamed pericardium. Acute pericarditis is treated by a) identifying the underlying cause, b) treating the underlying cause, c) giving anti-inflammatory drugs , and d) giving analgesics to control the pain.

Tamponade is treated by draining the fluid from the pericardial sac, usually via a tiny catheter. Bacterial pericarditis must be treated with antibiotics. Fungal pericarditis is treated with antifungal agents. Excessive pericardial effusion can compress the heart muscle, the fluid can be removed by needle aspiration (pericardiocentesis) or surgery. Idiopathic pericarditis and pericarditis following heart surgery usually respond to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), or indomethacin (Indocin). Pericarditis due to uremia may respond to increased frequency of hemodialysis, aspiration, or systemic or intrapericardial adrenal corticosteroids. Bacterial pericarditis must be treated with antibiotics. Fungal pericarditis is treated with antifungal agents.

Pericarditis Treayment and Prevention Tips

1. Corticosteroids are particularly useful in acute pericarditis due to uremia.

2. Cutting or removing part of the pericardium may be recommended.

3. Acute pericarditis is treated by anti-inflammatory drugs to control the pain.

4. Congestion in chronic constrictive pericarditis may be alleviated with bed rest, salt restriction, and diuretics.

5. Removing the fluid relieves the pressure on the heart, and restores normal cardiac function almost immediately.