Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium — the thin sac that surrounds your heart. It can cause sharp chest pain and other symptoms. Pericarditis often develops suddenly and usually improves with treatment, though in some cases it can come back or cause complications.

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It can affect anyone but is most common in men aged 20 to 50.

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What are the symptoms of Pericarditis?

 

The main symptom is sharp chest pain, which may:

• Feel worse when lying down

• Improve when sitting up or leaning forward

• Spread to the neck, shoulder, or back

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Other symptoms can include:

• Low-grade fever

• Fatigue

• Palpitations (irregular heartbeat)

• Shortness of breath, especially when lying flat

• A dry cough

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Some people may also hear a rubbing sound (pericardial rub) when the doctor listens to the heart with a stethoscope.

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What increases my risk of Pericarditis?

 

Your risk may be higher if you have:

• Recently had a viral infection

• Autoimmune conditions

• A history of heart surgery or heart attack

• Chronic kidney disease

• Cancer or recent cancer treatment

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It can also occur as a rare side effect of some vaccines or medications.

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How is Pericarditis diagnosed?

 

Your doctor may suspect pericarditis from your symptoms and a physical examination.

Tests may include:

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• ECG (electrocardiogram) – to check for characteristic changes

• Blood tests – to check for signs of inflammation or infection

• Chest X-ray – to look for fluid around the heart

• Echocardiogram – to see if there is any fluid in the pericardial sac

• MRI or CT scan – in certain cases, to look more closely at the heart and pericardium

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What is the treatment for Pericarditis?

 

Most people recover fully with simple treatment. The goal is to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Common treatment includes:

• Anti-inflammatory medication, such as:

  • Ibuprofen

  • Aspirin

  • Colchicine (often used to prevent recurrence)

• Corticosteroids, if symptoms don’t improve

• Antibiotics or antifungal treatment, if an infection is found

• Monitoring, if fluid builds up around the heart (pericardial effusion)

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People are usually advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity until symptoms improve.

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More information:

For more support, visit the NHS Pericarditis page or the British Heart Foundation.