Pericarditis

Pericarditis: Inflammation of the Heart’s Outer Layer

In pericarditis, the thin, fluid-filled sac encircling the heart, the pericardium, becomes inflamed. Often aggravating when lying down, this disorder can produce severe chest pain that gets better when seated up. It could be chronic—lasting more than three months—or acute, with a quick start.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Viral infections are the main cause of pericarditis, but trauma, bacterial infections (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), post-heart surgery, and other conditions can also aggravate it. Other risk factors consist of kidney failure, cancer, or some drugs.
Sharp, stabbing chest discomfort; fever and tiredness; dyspnoea; palpitations; swelling in the legs or abdomen (in extreme cases)
Doctors find inflammation or fluid buildup by utilising ECG, echocardiography, and MRI scans to diagnose pericarditis. Mild cases could clear with anti-inflammatory drugs, including corticosteroids, colchicine, or ibuprofen. In severe cases, especially those caused by cardiac tamponade (heart fluid compression), treatment must be started right away. This may include pericardiocentesis or drai