Committed to Care
Cardiovascular diseases
Pericarditis
Inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart.
What is it
The pericardium is the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. When it becomes inflamed, we talk about pericarditis.
It can occur after a viral infection or in other clinical contexts, and its course varies from person to person.
How it can appear
A characteristic symptom may be chest pain, often changing with position or breathing.
They may also coexist:
- feeling sick
- feverish motion
- shortness of breath
- palpitations.
But chest pain should not be mistaken for pericarditis without a medical evaluation because there are other important causes.
How is the evaluation done?
Depending on the case, they may be used:
- ECG
- clinical examination
- laboratory tests
- Echocardiogram
- additional illustration when needed.
How it is tracked
Follow-up depends on the cause, response to treatment, presence of pericardial fluid, and potential for recurrence.
When is an immediate assessment needed?
New or severe chest pain should not be evaluated by website or telephone alone when an acute cardiac problem is suspected.
In case of emergency call it 112 or the 166. Do not wait for a response from the contact form.