What is Pericarditis?
What is Pericarditis?The pericardium is the sac that surrounds and contains the heart. When this becomes inflamed, it is called pericarditis.
Pericarditis is usually acute; it develops suddenly and may last a few weeks to a few months before clearing up and can affect anyone. The most common symptom of pericarditis is sharp chest pain. Anti-inflammatory medication is the standard treatment for pericarditis.
Other types of heart inflammation are myocarditis, the inflammation of the myocardium, the heart muscle, and endocarditis, the inflammation of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart chambers, and valves.
Types of Pericarditis
TypesThe most common type of pericarditis is acute pericarditis. Other types are defined according to how long symptoms last.
Types of pericarditis include:
- Acute pericarditis. The most common type of pericarditis. It begins suddenly, may last a few weeks, and episodes may recur. Sharp chest pain is the most common symptom of acute pericarditis, which might feel like a heart attack. The episodes may recur.
- Recurrent pericarditis. Occurs about 4 to 6 weeks after an episode of acute pericarditis has resolved and without symptoms between the episodes. Recurrent pericarditis is typically not life-threatening and is not associated with serious illness.
- Incessant pericarditis. Pericarditis with continuous symptoms (there is no symptom-free period) while you are being treated. It is not known if incessant pericarditis increases the risk of complications, especially constrictive pericarditis.
- Chronic pericarditis. A recurring pericarditis that occurs as soon as you stop anti-inflammatory treatment.
- Delayed pericarditis. Also called Dressler's syndrome, is a delayed form of pericarditis that is triggered by the immune system's response to injury. It can occur weeks after a heart attack, heart surgery, or a heart injury.
Signs and Symptoms of Pericarditis
SymptomsThe most common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain which can be severe.
Symptoms of pericarditis include:
- Sharp chest pain
- Fever
- Weakness or fatigue
- Trouble breathing
- Heart palpitations
- Dry cough
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs
What Causes Pericarditis?
CausesThe cause of pericarditis is often unknown, but infections are common causes.
Causes of pericarditis include:
- Viral infections
- Bacterial and other infections
- Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Previous heart attack or surgery
- Injuries
- Certain medications
- Kidney failure
- Some genetic diseases
Pericarditis and the COVID-19 vaccine
Rare cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart's outer lining) have been reported after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination from Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, especially in male adolescents and young adults. Most patients with myocarditis or pericarditis felt better quickly after they received medical treatment and rested.
Public health authorities recommend that everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated for COVID-19. You should know that COVID-19 illness and the risks of complications, hospitalization, and death, are far greater than the risks of having a rare adverse reaction to vaccination, including the risk of myocarditis or pericarditis.
Pericarditis Complications
ComplicationsPotential complications that arise in patients with pericarditis include:
- Pericardial effusion. Excess fluid buildup around the heart can lead to cardiac tamponade.
- Constrictive pericarditis. Thickening and scarring of the heart lining occur in people with chronic pericarditis or after heart surgery. Constrictive pericarditis prevents the heart from filling properly. This rare complication can lead to severe swelling of the legs and abdomen and shortness of breath.
- Effusive-constrictive pericarditis. When you have pericardial effusion and constriction pericarditis at the same time.
- Cardiac tamponade. A life-threatening condition that occurs because of a sudden buildup of fluid in the pericardium layers which prevents the heart from pumping properly. Cardiac tamponade requires emergency treatment.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Pericarditis Care
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital provides world-renowned cardiovascular care for adults and children with heart diseases and disorders. Learn about pericarditis, how it is treated, and about chest pain and pericarditis complications. Contact us to make an appointment.