Medical Services

Pericardial Diseases (Affect the Heart’s Outer Layer)

Pericardial disorders compromise the pericardium, the protective sac encircling the heart. Fluid in this thin, double-layered membrane lowers friction when the heart pumps. When inflamed, contaminated, or overflowing with extra fluid, it might interfere with regular heart action.
Pericardial Disease Types:
Inflammation of the pericardium is called pericarditis. Post-cardiac injury syndromes, viral infections, or autoimmune diseases can cause it. Among the symptoms are severe chest discomfort that gets worse while lying down and gets better when seated up.
Excess fluid accumulating in the pericardial sac could cause cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening disorder that crushes the heart.
When the pericardium gets thicker and scars, this is called constrictive pericarditis. It makes it hard for the heart to beat and causes symptoms like swelling, tiredness, and trouble breathing.
Diagnosis and treatment call for MRIs, CT scans, or echocardiograms to evaluate pericardial inflammation or fluid accumulation. Depending on how serious it is, anti-inflammatory drugs may help with mild cases, but pericardiocentesis (fluid drainage) or pericardiectomy (surgical removal of the pericardium) may be needed for severe cases.
Early diagnosis and treatments are absolutely vital to avoid consequences like heart failure. By keeping heart health through a balanced diet, physical activity, and infection control, one lowers their chance of pericardial illnesses.