Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin membrane surrounding the heart. It typically occurs due to viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-heart attack conditions, or trauma. The inflammation can cause fluid accumulation between the heart membranes or thickening of the membrane, which manifests with symptoms such as sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. With early diagnosis and treatment, recovery is mostly achieved with anti-inflammatory medications and rest, but in severe cases, fluid drainage or surgery may be necessary.
What is Pericarditis?
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the thin membrane surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium. This membrane protects the heart and contains a layer of fluid that facilitates its movement. When inflamed, this membrane can thicken or fluid accumulation can occur, leading to chest pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.
What Causes Pericarditis?
Among the causes of pericarditis, viral infections (particularly Coxsackie and influenza viruses) are among the most common reasons. Bacterial infections, tuberculosis, and fungal infections are also rare but serious causes of pericarditis. Non-infectious causes of pericarditis include post-heart attack conditions (such as Dressler syndrome), rheumatic diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), kidney failure, cancer, and radiation therapy to the chest area. Additionally, chest trauma, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases can also trigger pericarditis.
What are the Symptoms of Pericarditis?
Symptoms of pericarditis can vary depending on whether the disease is acute or chronic. Acute pericarditis typically presents with chest pain. This pain is sharp and stabbing, worsening with deep breathing, coughing, or lying down, and may be relieved by leaning forward. Fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a sensation of palpitations may also be observed.
In chronic pericarditis, prolonged fatigue, tiredness, and shortness of breath are usually the foremost symptoms. If excessive fluid accumulates around the heart, cardiac tamponade can develop, leading to serious symptoms such as low blood pressure, weakening of the pulse, and severe shortness of breath.
What are the Risks of Pericarditis?
Untreated pericarditis can lead to serious complications. Fluid accumulation between the heart membranes (pericardial effusion) or thickening and stiffening of the heart membranes (constrictive pericarditis) may develop. These conditions can impede the normal functioning of the heart, leading to heart failure. Additionally, a life-threatening condition called cardiac tamponade, which requires immediate intervention, may occur.
How is Pericarditis Diagnosed?
In the diagnosis of pericarditis, ECG, echocardiography, chest X-ray, blood tests (CRP, sedimentation, cardiac enzymes), and when necessary, computed tomography or MRI are used. Widespread ST segment elevation on ECG is characteristic.
How is Pericarditis Treated?
The treatment of pericarditis varies depending on the cause and severity of the disease. In the treatment of acute pericarditis, rest, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can generally be used. However, additional treatments such as colchicine and corticosteroids may be needed in recurrent or severe cases. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation in the heart membrane, control symptoms, and prevent complications. In rare cases, especially if fluid accumulation (pericardial effusion) or cardiac tamponade develops, interventional methods such as pericardiocentesis may be applied.
How is Pericarditis Prevented?
Protecting against upper respiratory tract infections, having regular health check-ups, keeping the immune system strong, and regular monitoring of underlying diseases (such as autoimmune diseases, kidney failure) are important. Preventive medication therapy can be applied in patients at risk of recurrent pericarditis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pericarditis
How long does it take for pericarditis to heal?
The recovery time for pericarditis depends on its cause and response to treatment. While mild cases of viral origin generally improve within a few weeks with rest and medications, severe cases of bacterial or autoimmune origin can last for months and may require additional treatments.
Can pericarditis recur?
Yes, in some people, pericarditis can become chronic or recurrent. This can be caused especially by autoimmune diseases or incompletely treated infections; in this case, long-term medication use may be necessary.
Is pericarditis seen in young people?
Pericarditis can occur at any age. While it generally develops after viral infections in young people, it can also be seen without any serious underlying disease and often follows a benign course.
Is it safe to exercise during pericarditis?
Exercise is not recommended during acute pericarditis, as physical activity can increase the load on the heart and raise the risk of complications. After recovery is complete, light exercises can be started with a doctor’s approval.
How is pericarditis distinguished from a heart attack?
Pericarditis pain is generally sharp and position-dependent (for example, it decreases when leaning forward), while heart attack pain is more widespread, constricting, and can radiate to the arms. ECG and blood tests help clarify this distinction.
Does pericarditis completely go away?
In mild cases, pericarditis can completely resolve with appropriate treatment and leave no permanent issues. However, in serious cases, for example, if constrictive pericarditis develops, long-term effects on heart functions may remain.
Does pericarditis pose a risk during pregnancy?
Pericarditis is rare during pregnancy, but if it occurs, it can create additional challenges for both the mother and the baby. Treatment is carefully planned and generally attempts to control it with medications.
Can the symptoms of pericarditis be confused with other diseases?
Symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath can be confused with lung diseases, reflux, or musculoskeletal problems. Therefore, imaging and specific tests are of great importance for diagnosis.
Is diet important during pericarditis?
Although a special diet is not generally required, reducing salt intake can help control fluid accumulation. Healthy eating can accelerate recovery by supporting immunity.
When can someone who has had pericarditis return to normal life?
Recovery time varies from person to person, but in mild cases, normal life can be resumed within a few weeks, and in severe cases, after treatment is completed and complications are resolved.
Is pericarditis a contagious disease?
Pericarditis is not contagious, but if it originates from viral or bacterial infections, there may be a possibility of these infections spreading to others. Pericarditis itself does not pass from person to person.
Can alcohol be consumed during pericarditis?
Alcohol is generally not recommended during pericarditis treatment as it can increase inflammation and interact with medications. It’s best to talk to your doctor.
Reference: Pericarditis
