Heart is the most important body organ. It really needs protection from diseases and infections. Heart disease which causes discomfort is called pericarditis. It is the irritation and swelling of the saclike and thin tissue surrounding pericardium or heart. Pericarditis causes sharp stabbing like the chest pain and other similar symptoms.
Symptoms of Pericarditis
The symptoms are similar to a heart attack. It is very important to look for medical attention if a person is experiencing the chest pain. A doctor rules out the less serious conditions and further investigates the pericarditis cause. Chest pain is a common symptom of pericarditis. Following are the major symptoms of pericarditis:
- Pain in the shoulder and chest
- Mild fever
- Shortness of breath
- Cough and Fatigue
- Causes of Pericarditis
The exact cause of pericarditis is hard to determine. If the pericardium swells and gets infected, the pericardial sac’s two layers come into contact, thereby causing friction. In many cases the primary cause of pericarditis is not found at all. It is as a result known as idiopathic pericarditis.
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Heart surgery or attack
Heart surgery or attack triggers the delayed pericarditis. It is also referred to as postcardiotomy pericarditis or post-cardiac injury syndrome. It typically develops after a number of months or weeks having a heart surgery or attack.
Pericarditis diagnosis and its treatment
Many symptoms of pericarditis are alike to those of lung and heart conditions. Therefore, it is significant to assess and get diagnosed on time, in order to receive timely medical treatment. The doctor will inspect and ask questions about family history, symptoms, and medical conditions. During the examinations, the doctor will verify using a stethoscope on the chest to further listen to the sounds and heartbeat. Pericarditis causes a particular sound, which is called pericardial rub.