The following features are indicative of Pericarditis:
chest pain
rapid heartbeat
difficulty in breathing
fever
shortness of breath
difficulty in breathing
discomfort when breathing while lying down
chest fullness
It is possible that Pericarditis shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Pericarditis
The following are the most common causes of Pericarditis:
systemic inflammatory disorders
trauma
viral infections
certain medicines, such as procainamide, hydralazine, phenytoin
swelling or inflammation of the heart muscle
Risk Factors for Pericarditis
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Pericarditis:
ages of 20 and 50 years
radiation therapy to the chest
swelling or inflammation of the heart muscle
lupus
rheumatoid arthritis
Prevention of Pericarditis
No, it is not possible to prevent Pericarditis.
unknown prevention
Occurrence of Pericarditis
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Pericarditis cases seen each year worldwide:
Widely occurring between 500K - 1 Million cases
Common Age Group
Pericarditis most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Aged between 20-50 years
Common Gender
Pericarditis can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Pericarditis
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Pericarditis:
Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses sound waves produce images of the heart that can help to a Patent ductus arteriosus
Chest X-ray: To see the condition of heart and lungs
Electrocardiogram: To diagnose heart defects or rhythm problems
Doctor for Diagnosis of Pericarditis
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Pericarditis:
Cardiologist
Complications of Pericarditis if untreated
Yes, Pericarditis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Pericarditis is left untreated:
constrictive pericarditis
cardiac tamponade
Procedures for Treatment of Pericarditis
The following procedures are used to treat Pericarditis:
Pericardiocentesis: To remove and drain the excess fluid from the pericardial cavity
Pericardiectomy: To remove the entire pericardium
Self-care for Pericarditis
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Pericarditis: