Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, a sac-like structure with two thin layers of tissue that surrounds the heart to hold it in place and help it function. A small amount of fluid keeps the layers apart so that the friction between them decreases as the heart beats the heart.
Depending on the location of the heart, a common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain caused by inflammation of the layers of the sac and possibly friction from the heart. You may feel the pain of a heart attack.
Pericarditis can be attributed to several factors, including viral, bacterial, fungal, and other infections. Other possible causes of pericarditis include heart attack or surgery, other medical conditions, injuries, and medications.
Pericarditis can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and usually doesn’t last long. Or the condition may be “chronic,” meaning it develops over time and may take longer to treat.
Both types of pericarditis can disrupt the heart’s normal function. In rare cases, pericarditis can have very serious consequences, which can lead to arrhythmias and death.
Pericarditis is often mild and may resolve spontaneously with rest or simple treatment. Sometimes more intensive treatment is needed to prevent complications.
Causes of pericarditis
The cause of pericarditis is often unknown, although viral infections are a common cause. Pericarditis can occur after a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection.
Chronic and recurring pericarditis can be caused by autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis, disorders in which the body’s immune system produces antibodies that mistakenly attack the body’s tissues or cells.
Other possible causes of pericarditis are:
Heart attack and heart surgery
Kidney failure, HIV/AIDS, cancer, tuberculosis and other health problems
Injuries from an accident or radiation therapy
some medicine
Who is at risk of developing pericarditis?
Pericarditis affects people of all ages, but men between the ages of 16 and 65 are more likely to develop it.
