Key Points

• Pericarditis is a condition in which the membrane, or sac, around your heart is inflamed. This sac is called the pericardium.
• The pericardium holds the heart in place and helps it work properly. The sac is made of two thin layers of tissue that enclose your heart.
• In pericarditis, the layers of tissue become inflamed and can rub against the heart, causing chest pain. The chest pain may feel like pain from a heart attack. If you have chest pain, you should call 9–1–1 right away, as you may be having a heart attack.
• Many factors can cause pericarditis. Viruses and infections are common causes. Less often, pericarditis occurs after a heart attack or heart surgery. Lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders also can cause the condition. In about half of all cases, the cause is unknown.
• Pericarditis can be acute or chronic. “Acute” means that it occurs suddenly and usually doesn’t last long. “Chronic” means that it develops over time and may take longer to treat.
• Both acute and chronic pericarditis can disrupt your heart’s normal function and possibly (although rarely) lead to death.
• Pericarditis occurs in people of all ages. However, men between the ages of 20 and 50 are more likely to get it.
• Sharp, stabbing chest pain and fever are common symptoms of acute pericarditis. Other symptoms are weakness, trouble breathing, and coughing. Chronic pericarditis often causes tiredness, coughing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to swelling in the stomach and legs and low blood pressure.
• Two serious complications of pericarditis are cardiac tamponade and chronic constrictive pericarditis. These conditions can disrupt your heart’s normal function. If left untreated, they may lead to death.
• Your doctor will diagnose pericarditis based on your medical history and the results from a physical exam and tests.
• Most cases of pericarditis are mild and clear up on their own or with rest and simple treatment. Other times, more intense treatment is needed to prevent complications. Treatment may include medicines and, less often, procedures and/or surgery.
• You usually can’t prevent acute pericarditis. But, you can take steps to reduce your chances of having another acute episode, having complications, or getting chronic pericarditis. Get prompt treatment, follow your treatment plan, and get ongoing medical care (as your doctor advises).
• In some cases, it may take weeks or months to recover from pericarditis. Full recovery is likely with rest and ongoing care. These measures also can help reduce the chances of having the condition again.