Pericarditis (inflamed sac around the heart)

Overview

Pericarditis usually follows a virus. Pain is often sharp and worse with deep breaths or lying flat.

The sac around the heart gets inflamed.

Chest pain is often better sitting up.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Sharp chest pain, better sitting forward

Less common

• Fever
• Pain with deep breaths

Look up a symptom: Fever · Getting winded easily with activity or stairs · Racing or pounding heartbeat

When to get medical care

Causes

Virus.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

ECG and echo.

Treatment

Rest.

Self-care

• Rest and avoid hard exercise until cleared
• Avoid hard exercise

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat infections

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Heart Association: Plain-language heart information and a support network for patients.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Men 20 to 50: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most recover.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• How long will I need colchicine?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Pericarditis (inflamed sac around the heart)