The heart is surrounded by a sac like covering or layer called the pericardium. When the pericardium becomes enlarged or swollen up, it is termed as pericarditis.
Pericarditis can result from infection or may be an indication of a more serious disease. Some of the causes of pericarditis are listed below.
Listed below are some of the common symptoms of pericarditis. These symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the disease.
In this article, we will discuss in brief the complications and diagnosis of pericarditis.
Pericarditis can be either acute or constrictive. Acute pericarditis is when the inflammation of the pericardium is sudden and is not long lasting.
Chronic pericarditis on the other hand develops over time and lasts much longer.
One of the biggest complications of acute pericarditis is cardiac tamponade. This is a condition in which fluid accumulates between the wall of the heart and the pericardium, resulting in excess pressure build up.
One of the biggest complications of constrictive pericarditis is chronic constrictive pericarditis. In this condition, there is a chronic swelling of the pericardium, resulting in damage to the heart muscle, scarring and muscle tightening.
Pericarditis is diagnosed by a physical examination using a stethoscope, after which other diagnostic tests are performed.
When there is a swelling of the pericardium the heartbeat sounds different. A stethoscope is used to determine this. The changed tone of the heartbeat is medically termed as a pericardial rub. Crackles in the lungs as well as lowered breaths are also signs of pericarditis that a physical examination can detect.
If pericarditis is suspected, there are a number of diagnostic tests that can be done. Listed below are some of the diagnostic tests for pericarditis.
Some of the other tests that could be asked for, to check for pericarditis, are blood culture tests, an HIV test, rheumatoid factor test, and a tuberculosis skin test. These will help determine the cause of pericarditis, helping to treat the root cause of the problem.
If you have symptoms of chest pain or fluid accumulation, it is necessary to check with a cardiologist immediately.
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