Pericarditis: Symptoms & Signs

Pericarditis is inflammation of the tissue that covers the outside of the heart, the pericardium. This inflammation can lead to fluid buildup in the pericardium, referred to as pericardial effusion.

Signs and symptoms of pericarditis include

• chest pain,
• chest pressure, and
• shortness of breath.

The symptoms may resemble those of a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Other associated symptoms can include

• fatigue,
• fever, and
• chills.

An examiner may hear a characteristic sound known as a pericardial rub when placing a stethoscope over the heart.

Causes of pericarditis

There are multiple causes of pericarditis, including

• infections,
• injury,
• radiation treatment, and
• autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Viral infections, following a respiratory infection, are one of the most common causes of pericarditis.

Other pericarditis symptoms and signs

• Chest Pain
• Chest Pressure
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Shortness of Breath

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