When someone has pericarditis, they may feel sharp or dull chest pain that may spread to their neck or shoulders. Patients may have trouble breathing, a cough that won’t go away, and feeling tired. If you have these symptoms, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible because they could mean that the pericardium, a thin sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart, is inflamed. It may sound hard to understand, but knowing what pericarditis is and how to spot its signs is very important for keeping your heart healthy.
The Pericardium: Protecting your Heart
The pericardium protects the heart from infections and keeps the heart working smoothly by keeping the surface smooth. Pericarditis can happen when this sac gets swollen, which can be painful and lead to other problems.
Symptoms of Pericarditis
Chest discomfort, whether severe or subtle, that travels to the shoulders or neck is a common symptom of pericarditis. Additionally, patients may feel exhausted, have trouble breathing, and have a persistent cough.
Causes of Pericarditis
A cardiac attack, an autoimmune condition, a bacterial infection, or a viral infection are all potential causes of pericarditis. In order to effectively treat the condition and avoid its recurrence, it is crucial to understand the underlying reason.
Complications and Risks
If you don’t treat pericarditis, it can get worse and cause problems like pericardial effusion (fluid buildup in the sac) and cardiac tamponade (heart pressure from too much fluid). These problems can make the heart work less well and even kill you if you don’t get them fixed right away. Visit your cardiologist if you have the symptoms and suspect any problems.
