Pericarditis is a heart condition that occurs when the pericardium, the thin, protective sac surrounding your heart, becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause the layers of the pericardium to rub painfully against the heart, resulting in chest discomfort and, in extreme cases, can affect heart function.
Although pericarditis can affect people of all ages, it is most common in young adults and middle-aged individuals. It may develop suddenly (acute pericarditis) or slowly over time (chronic pericarditis). Because pericarditis shares symptoms with more well-known conditions like heart attacks or anxiety, it is sometimes misdiagnosed or not taken seriously right away. Increasing awareness about pericarditis is important for early diagnosis and treatment.
What causes pericarditis?
The exact cause of pericarditis is often unclear, but in many cases, it is linked to:
- Viral infections (such as the flu or COVID-19)
- Recent heart attack or heart surgery
- Autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Chest trauma
- Certain cancers or cancer treatments
- Kidney failure or other chronic illnesses
In rare cases, bacterial infections, tuberculosis, or fungal infections can also lead to pericarditis.1
What are the symptoms of pericarditis?
Pericarditis symptoms can vary from mild to severe. The most common signs include:
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain (often worse when lying down or taking deep
breaths) - Pain in the shoulders, neck, or back
- Shortness of breath
- A feeling of weakness or fatigue
- Fever (in some cases)
- A dry cough or palpitations (sensation of a racing or pounding heart)
These symptoms may be mistaken for a heart attack, which is why getting a proper diagnosis is so important. If you're experiencing persistent chest pain or other symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How is pericarditis diagnosed?
Doctors use several tests to diagnose pericarditis and rule out other heart problems, such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart’s electrical activity to spot signs of inflammation.
- Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create an image of the heart, helping detect fluid buildup.
- Blood tests: Check for signs of inflammation or infection.
- Chest X-ray or MRI: Helps assess the heart’s size and the condition of the pericardium.
Can pericarditis be treated?
Treatment for pericarditis depends on the severity and cause of the inflammation. Some common treatment options include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Such as ibuprofen or colchicine to reduce pain and swelling.
- Corticosteroids: Used if symptoms don’t improve with standard medications.
- Antibiotics: If an infection is found to be the cause.
- Drainage or surgery: In rare cases, excess fluid may need to be drained, or the pericardium partially removed if the condition becomes chronic and restricts heart function.
Most people recover from acute pericarditis within a few weeks with proper care and medication. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and attend follow-up appointments.2
How does pericarditis affect daily life?
While many cases resolve with treatment, pericarditis can return (called recurrent pericarditis), which can be frustrating and emotionally exhausting. Some people may:
- Experience chest pain that disrupts sleep or daily activities.
- Feel anxious, thinking the pain signals a heart attack.
- Need time off work or physical activity during recovery.
- Worry about long-term heart health.
Living with pericarditis may involve ongoing monitoring and occasional medication. Listening to your body and resting when needed is essential.3
Managing and Preventing Recurrence of Pericarditis
While not always preventable, you can lower your risk of recurrence by:
- Getting timely treatment for viral infections.
- Avoiding strenuous activity until your doctor clears you.
- Managing autoimmune diseases with your healthcare team.
- Sticking to your treatment plan and reporting new symptoms early.
Support from friends, family, and healthcare providers can make a big difference in coping with this condition.
Pericarditis may be a lesser-known condition, but it can have a big impact on your health and well-being. The good news is that most people recover fully with the right care.
If you notice symptoms like chest pain that changes with movement or breathing, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to healing and preventing complications.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by Shane Bassett (RN/BN/CCRN), a Registered Nurse and Clinical Content Director at Connect The Docs.