What is pericarditis?
Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the fibrous sac (pericardium) surrounding the heart. Pericarditis is characterized by three main features that are chest pain, pericardial friction rub, and the number of changes in ECG.
Can stress be the cause of Pericarditis?
Yes, stress is one of the factors which induces stress-related cardiomyopathy.
Is pericarditis serious?
Pericarditis is not a serious condition, it can be treated.
Is pericarditis life-threatening?
If pericarditis persists in the long run i.e. cannot be treated well in time then it may become recurrent and chronic.
What are the causes of pericarditis?
Many conditions lead to the cause of pericarditis that may be due to certain diseases or viruses, bacteria, parasites, drug-induced, fungal infections etc. i.e.
-systemic lupus erythematosus
-Scleroderma
-Rheumatic fever.
-Acute myocardial infarction
-Tumors
-Drugs
-Irradiation
-Trauma
-Ankylosing spondylitis
-Inflammatory bowel disease.
-Sjogren syndrome.
-Vasculitis
-Influenza viruses A and B
-Herpes simplex virus
-Varicella-zoster virus
-Measles
-Cytomegalovirus
-Hepatitis viruses
-Streptococcus pneumonia
-Staphylococcus
-Escherichia coli
-Mycobacterium tuberculous bacteria
-Aspergillus
-Candida
-Entamoeba histolytica
-Echinococcosis granulosis
-Toxoplasma
-Penicillin, etc.
What are the Signs of pericarditis?
-Pain on the left side of the chest radiating to the shoulder which is better by sitting up and bending forward.
-Pain is better by lying down and on inspiration
-Pain from the chest is radiating to the left arm and left jaw.
-Fever.
-Fatigue.
-Anxiety
What does pericarditis pain feel like?
A dull kind of pain is there with pressure in the chest which worsen while deep breathing.
What are the signs of a heart attack?
-Chest Discomfort.
-Some persons may feel Nausea, Indigestion, Heartburn, or Stomach Pain during a heart attack.
-Pain Spreads to the Arm.
-Dizzy feeling
-Jaw Pain
-tiredness
-Sweating.
How can we Investigate for pericarditis?
Certain tests are to be done as follows:
-Serum urea
-Serum creatinine
-Cardiac Parker tests are done
-Troponin
-CK-MB
-Myoglobin
-LDH1
Other diagnostic techniques are:
-Ultrasound of the chest shows pericardial effusion.
-Chest X-ray shows pericardial effusion.
-Electrocardiography (ECG).
