Since the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic, the existence of pericarditis and myopericarditis have become better known among the population. Therefore, it is interesting to disseminate knowledge of basic concepts about these diseases for their early recognition and treatment.
- What is pericarditis?
Pericarditis is inflammation of the layers of the pericardium, a thin tissue that surrounds the heart. This inflammation has various causes, such as:
- Idiopathic (no specific cause diagnosed).
- Infections, mainly of viral origin in our environment (such as Covid 19).
- Inflammation reactionary to injury to the heart muscle (post-acute myocardial infarction syndrome or post-cardiac surgery).
- Inflammatory diseases such as Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Trauma to the heart or chest.
- Chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease or cancer.
The viral etiology is more common in developing countries (tuberculous pericarditis) and idiopathic pericarditis is the most common form found in the rest of the world.
The term myopericarditis includes inflammation of the heart muscle in addition to the pericardial tissue.
- What are the symptoms of pericarditis?
Pain in the thoracic area is the most common symptom of pericarditis. The typical pain is usually sharp or stabbing, on the left side of the chest or behind the breastbone. The pain may worsen with deep inspiration, coughing, or lying down and may extend to the left shoulder or neck. However, there are also patients who present with persistent, pressure-like chest pain.
Other symptoms that may be associated with chest pain in the diagnosis of pericarditis are:
- Sore throat or mild cold symptoms in the days before the onset of chest pain (in the case of viral pericarditis);
- Fever or low-grade fever.
- Palpitations.
- Tiredness and general weakness.
- Fatigue or shortness of breath upon exertion.
- What is the evolution of pericarditis?
Most cases of pericarditis are mild and resolve without treatment. Often, pericarditis or myopericarditis is diagnosed late during an imaging test such as a cardiac MRI, without the patient even realizing they had the condition.
In more severe cases, pericarditis may require medication and physical rest. In a minority of patients, surgical intervention is required in cases of complications such as severe pericardial effusion.
The duration of the symptoms can vary depending on the development of the disease in each patient and groups cases into:
- Acute pericarditis: duration of less than three weeks.
- Recurrent pericarditis: return of symptoms four to six weeks after the end of the last episode, without intervening symptoms.
- Incessant pericarditis: duration greater than four to six weeks and less than three months with continuous symptoms.
- Chronic pericarditis: duration greater than three months.
- Is it possible to prevent the appearance of pericarditis?
There is no specific treatment to prevent pericarditis. However, there are measures that can reduce the risk of its appearance, mainly in relation to viral pericarditis, which are:
- Avoid direct infection with people who have a viral illness or flu symptoms.
- Practice good hygiene habits.
- Receive the vaccination recommended by health entities.
By Dr. Ana Néves , Cardiology Specialist at UICAR
If you are looking for the best cardiologists in Madrid, you are in the right place. Madrid has some of the best heart disease specialists, offering high-quality medical care and cutting-edge treatments for patients with cardiovascular diseases. At UICAR you have the best cardiologists in Madrid. We talk to you about heart disease and how to prevent it.
For assessment and follow-up of pericarditis, consult the Non-invasive Cardiology Unit at UICAR.