Pericarditis

Overview

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium—the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. It often presents with sharp chest pain that may worsen with breathing or lying down and improve when sitting forward.

While many cases are mild and resolve with treatment, pericarditis can sometimes lead to complications such as fluid accumulation around the heart or chronic inflammation.

At Moolchand Hospital, a leading multi super speciality hospital in Delhi, patients receive expert evaluation, advanced cardiac imaging, and comprehensive treatment for inflammatory heart conditions.

What is Pericarditis?

The pericardium consists of two layers with a small amount of fluid between them. In pericarditis, inflammation causes these layers to rub against each other, leading to pain and sometimes fluid buildup (pericardial effusion).

Symptoms

Symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually.

Common Symptoms

• Sharp or stabbing chest pain
  
  

• Pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
  
  

• Pain relieved by sitting forward
  
  

• Fever
  
  

• Fatigue
  
  

Additional Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
  
  

• Palpitations
  
  

• Dry cough
  
  

Causes

Pericarditis may be caused by:

• Viral infections (most common)
  
  

• Bacterial infections
  
  

• Autoimmune diseases
  
  

• Post-heart attack inflammation
  
  

• Kidney failure
  
  

• Cancer
  
  

• Trauma or injury
  
  

In some cases, the exact cause may not be identified.

Risk Factors

Risk factors include:

• Recent viral infection
  
  

• Autoimmune disorders
  
  

• Recent heart attack or cardiac surgery
  
  

• Chronic kidney disease
  
  

• Weakened immune system
  
  

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent or severe chest pain
  
  

• Difficulty breathing
  
  

• Fever with chest discomfort
  
  

Since symptoms can mimic serious conditions like Heart Attack, prompt assessment is important.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  
  

• Echocardiography
  
  

• Chest X-ray
  
  

• Blood tests (inflammatory markers)
  
  

• Cardiac MRI or CT scan
  
  

At Moolchand Hospital Delhi, advanced imaging helps confirm diagnosis and detect complications.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and severity.

Medications

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  
  

• Colchicine to reduce recurrence
  
  

• Antibiotics if infection is bacterial
  
  

Management of Complications

• Drainage of fluid (pericardiocentesis) if significant effusion develops
  
  

Monitoring

• Regular follow-up to assess recovery
  
  

Specialists at Moolchand Hospital Lajpat Nagar provide tailored treatment plans for optimal recovery.

Complications

If untreated or severe, pericarditis may lead to:

• Pericardial effusion (fluid accumulation)
  
  

• Cardiac tamponade (life-threatening pressure on the heart)
  
  

• Chronic or recurrent pericarditis
  
  

Early treatment reduces these risks.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Timely treatment of infections
  
  

• Managing autoimmune conditions
  
  

• Regular follow-up after cardiac procedures
  
  

• Maintaining overall health
  
  

Why Choose Moolchand Hospital

Patients trust Moolchand Hospital Delhi for heart care because of:

• Experienced cardiologists
  
  

• Advanced cardiac imaging and diagnostics
  
  

• Comprehensive care for inflammatory heart conditions
  
  

• Emergency and ICU support
  
  

• Trusted reputation as a private hospital in Delhi
  
  

For those searching for a heart specialist hospital in Delhi or chest pain treatment in Delhi, Moolchand offers expert and compassionate care.