Pericarditis – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Did you know that bacteria and viruses can even attack your heart? Periarditis is one of the result of heart infection.
Dr. Atul Patil
Cardiologist
Dr. Atul Patil
Cardiologist
Pericarditis is a disorder in which inflammation of the pericardium occurs. The pericardium is a sac or membrane-like structure comprising two thin layers of tissue around the heart. The function of the pericardium is to protect and lubricate the heart and keep it in its position; the pericardium also ensures the proper functioning of the heart, The space between the two thin layers is filled with fluid to avoid friction while the heartbeats. Therefore, these two layers move against each other without any irritation. The primary sign of pericarditis is chest pain as pericardium inflammation causes rubbing the pericardium against the heart. The pain can be similar to the pain felt in a heart attack. Pericarditis can be acute (lasts for a shorter period) or chronic (lasts for longer, i.e., it develops over time). Both acute and chronic pericarditis impair the heart’s functioning. Rarely, pericarditis can lead to serious consequences, including abnormal heart rhythm and/or death. In most cases, mild pericarditis occurs, which subsides on its own with rest or primary treatment. Men between 16 years to 65 years of age are at a higher risk of contracting pericarditis. Early diagnosis of pericarditis can prevent further complications.[1,2]
There are 4 major types of pericarditis:[1,2]
Idiopathic pericarditis: The cause is unknown.
Acute pericarditis: This type is further divided into acute fibrinous pericarditis and acute purulent pericarditis. In acute fibrinous pericarditis, a layer of material called fibrin covers the inflamed pericardium. In acute purulent pericarditis, the pericardium gets infected and covered with pus cells.
Chronic pericarditis: It is of two types: chronic effusive pericarditis and chronic constrictive pericarditis. Chronic pericarditis lasts for more than 3 months. Chronic effusive pericarditis is generally caused by long-lasting infections such as tuberculosis. This leads to fluid formation around the heart called pericardial effusion. Chronic constrictive pericarditis is an inflammatory process, generally characterised by fibrosis, chronic scarring, and calcification of the pericardium. This process is often associated with diastolic dysfunction that eventually leads to poor heart function and/or heart failure.
Dressler’s syndrome: It is a delayed form of pericarditis and is triggered by the immune response to an injury. It may happen a few weeks after having a heart attack, a traumatic injury to the heart, or heart surgery.
Below are the symptoms of pericarditis:[2-4]
Causes
Below are the two major types of causes:[1,4]
Infectious causes:
Pericarditis cannot be prevented. However, treating the primary causes may reduce the chances of getting pericarditis.[3]
Major clues for pericarditis are intense pain in the chest and backside of the shoulders and difficulty in breathing. Whenever you feel these symptoms, visit your physician immediately.
A physician makes the diagnosis of pericarditis based on various factors, including medical history and physical examinations. In the case of pericarditis, your physician tries to hear a grating or scratchy noise due to pericardial rubs with the help of a stethoscope. The noise comes from a defined area of the heart. But the noise position can be changed by leaning forward and holding your breath and you may feel better.
Following tests are performed to diagnose pericarditis:[2,4]
Generally, pericarditis is mild and goes away easily. Physicians may recommend medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin for pain and inflammation.
Antibiotic or antifungal medications can also be prescribed for an infection. When ibuprofen is needed in high doses, the physician advises you to take other medications to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms.
When someone has recurrent pericarditis or chronic pericarditis, colchicine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be prescribed for several years. The patient may be advised to visit the physician regularly for medical check-ups.
A diuretic is given to the patients with constrictive pericarditis that generally helps get rid of the excessive fluid.
If the symptoms do not go away after 2 weeks of treatment, or go away and then return, a physician generally prescribes colchicine. Colchicine is helpful in controlling the inflammation and preventing pericarditis from reoccurring weeks or even months later.
Other treatments, including oral or intravenous steroids, can also be prescribed. Other Anti-inflammatory medications can be given in some cases.[4,6]
Below are some of the serious complications of pericarditis:[3]
In most cases, medications are the only treatment for patients with pericarditis. However, in some cases, fluid forms in the pericardium and causes compression of the heart. Then below surgical procedures are recommended, though surgery is only recommended when all other treatments do not work.[4,6]
Did you know that bacteria and viruses can even attack your heart? Periarditis is one of the result of heart infection.
Wayne Parnell's heart condition: Is he suffering from pericarditis or myocarditis?
Did you know that bacteria and viruses can even attack your heart? Periarditis is one of the result of heart infection.
Wayne Parnell's heart condition: Is he suffering from pericarditis or myocarditis?
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