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Pericardial Disorders
Summary
The pericardium is a membrane, or sac, that surrounds your heart. It holds the heart in place and helps it work properly. Problems with the pericardium include:
- Pericarditis – an inflammation of the sac. It can be from a virus or other infection, a heart attack, heart surgery, other medical conditions, injuries, and certain medicines.
- Pericardial effusion – the buildup of fluid in the sac
- Cardiac tamponade – a serious problem in which buildup of fluid in the sac causes problems with the function of the heart
Symptoms of pericardial problems include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. Fever is a common symptom of acute pericarditis. Your doctor may use a physical exam, imaging tests, and heart tests to make a diagnosis. Treatment depends on the cause.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Specifics
- Acute Pericarditis Merck & Co., Inc.
- Chronic Pericarditis Merck & Co., Inc.
- Dressler Syndrome Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Pericardial Effusion Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Pericarditis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Pericarditis Texas Heart Institute
Find an Expert
- American Heart Association American Heart Association
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Patient Handouts
- Cardiac tamponade Medical Encyclopedia
- Pericardiocentesis Medical Encyclopedia
- Pericarditis Medical Encyclopedia
- Pericarditis – after heart attack Medical Encyclopedia
- Pericarditis – constrictive Medical Encyclopedia
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Pericardial Effusion National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Pericarditis National Institutes of Health
Diagnosis and Tests
- Heart Health Tests: MedlinePlus Health Topic National Library of Medicine
Start Here
- Heart Inflammation National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Related Issues
- Myocarditis and Pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Encyclopedia
- Pericardial fluid culture Medical Encyclopedia
- Pericardial fluid Gram stain Medical Encyclopedia