Pericardium is a fluid filled two layered membrane that surrounds the outer portion of the heart. This thin layer gives protection to the heart by protecting it against infection and preventing over-expansion of the heart. If this layer of pericardium gets inflamed and develops swelling and irritation it is known as pericarditis. It can cause acute chest pain and sometimes sharp staggering pain when the layers of pericardium rub one another. Often pericarditis is short term but sometimes it can be chronic. Symptoms of sharp pain can be managed through medications and in severe cases pericarditis may need surgical process.
Types :
Pericarditis can be acute (short lived) and chronic (long term).
- Acute form of pericarditis may last only for few days or weeks. The pain may radiate from your left shoulder and passes through the neck. The pain can be mild to moderate and sometimes severe also. The symptoms of acute form resembles very much like that of a heart attack.
- Chronic form develops gradually as a process causing accumulation of fluid in the pericardial layers. The intensity of pain may range from mild to moderate and it may lasts for several weeks or months.
Symptoms :
Symptoms of pericarditis vary depending on the type and intensity of inflammation. Some of the signs of pericarditis include palpitation of the heart, sharp pain on the chest and shortness of breath. The pain would begin on the left side of your shoulder and progresses towards the chest passing through the neck. It can also cause fatigue, fever and swelling of legs. Many times, the symptoms of pericarditis are confused with lung infection or other heart diseases. You need to consult a doctor if you notice above symptoms and persistent chest pain.
Causes :
Exact cause of pericarditis is not known. It is believed to be caused due to friction arising from the rubbing of pericardial layers. Under normal condition, pericardial sac contains some fluid facilitating lubrication and movement of the heart within the limits of layer. But due to inflammation of pericardium, both the layers of pericardial sac rub over one another causing sharp pain.
If the underlying heart muscles get damaged due to heart attack, it can cause pericarditis. Some people may develop percarditis weeks after heart surgery due to the inflammation of pericardial layer. Sudden accident or trauma to the heart and systemic inflammatory disorders may lead to pericarditis.