What is pericardiocentesis. How is the procedure performed. What are the risks and benefits of pericardiocentesis. Who might need this treatment. How to prepare for pericardiocentesis. What to expect during and after the procedure.

Understanding Pericardiocentesis: A Life-Saving Cardiac Procedure

Pericardiocentesis is a medical procedure designed to remove excess fluid that has accumulated in the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. This buildup of fluid, known as pericardial effusion, can significantly impair heart function and potentially lead to life-threatening complications. By draining this fluid, pericardiocentesis helps restore normal cardiac function and can be both diagnostic and therapeutic.

How is pericardiocentesis performed?

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. A needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the pericardial space.
2. A catheter is then threaded through the needle into the pericardium.
3. The excess fluid is drained through the catheter.
4. The catheter may be left in place for several hours or overnight to ensure complete drainage and prevent fluid reaccumulation.

Pericardiocentesis is typically performed under local anesthesia, with the patient awake but sedated. The entire process usually takes about an hour to complete.

Indications for Pericardiocentesis: When Is This Procedure Necessary?

Pericardiocentesis becomes necessary when there is a significant accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, which can occur due to various medical conditions. Some common indications include:

• Infections affecting the heart or pericardium
• Cancer
• Inflammation following a heart attack
• Traumatic injury to the chest
• Autoimmune disorders
• Adverse reactions to certain medications
• Radiation therapy complications
• Metabolic disorders, such as kidney failure with uremia

In some cases, the cause of the fluid buildup may be idiopathic, meaning the underlying reason is unknown. Regardless of the cause, when pericardial effusion leads to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain, or poses a threat to cardiac function, pericardiocentesis becomes a crucial intervention.

Risks and Benefits: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Pericardiocentesis

Like any medical procedure, pericardiocentesis carries both benefits and risks. Understanding these can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.

Benefits of Pericardiocentesis

The primary benefits of this procedure include:

• Immediate relief of symptoms caused by pericardial effusion
• Prevention of life-threatening complications such as cardiac tamponade
• Diagnostic value in determining the cause of fluid accumulation
• Less invasive alternative to surgical drainage

Potential Risks and Complications

While generally safe, pericardiocentesis does carry some risks:

• Accidental puncture of the heart or nearby organs
• Bleeding complications
• Pneumothorax (air in the chest cavity)
• Infection
• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• In rare cases, heart failure or cardiac arrest

It’s important to note that the likelihood of these complications varies depending on factors such as the patient’s overall health, the underlying cause of the effusion, and the expertise of the medical team performing the procedure.

Preparing for Pericardiocentesis: What Patients Need to Know

Proper preparation is key to ensuring the best possible outcome for pericardiocentesis. Here’s what patients can expect in the lead-up to the procedure:

Pre-procedure Instructions

• Fasting for at least 6 hours before the procedure
• Discussing current medications with the doctor, as some may need to be temporarily discontinued
• Arranging for transportation home after the procedure
• Informing the medical team of any allergies or previous reactions to anesthesia

Diagnostic Tests

To ensure the safety and efficacy of the procedure, several tests may be ordered:

• Chest X-ray to visualize the heart and surrounding structures
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm
• Blood tests to evaluate overall health and clotting function
• Echocardiogram to visualize the fluid accumulation and heart function
• In some cases, CT or MRI scans for more detailed imaging
• Heart catheterization to measure intracardiac pressures

These tests help the medical team plan the safest approach for the pericardiocentesis and identify any potential complications before they arise.

The Pericardiocentesis Procedure: A Step-by-Step Overview

Understanding what happens during pericardiocentesis can help alleviate anxiety and prepare patients for the experience. Here’s a detailed look at the procedure:

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, usually lying on their back at a slight incline.
2. Vital signs are monitored continuously throughout the procedure.
3. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted to administer sedatives and pain medication as needed.
4. The insertion site is determined using echocardiography guidance.
5. The area is cleaned and sterilized to prevent infection.
6. Local anesthetic is injected to numb the insertion site.
7. A needle is carefully inserted through the chest wall and into the pericardial space.
8. A catheter is threaded through the needle into the pericardium.
9. Fluid is slowly drained through the catheter.
10. Samples of the fluid may be collected for laboratory analysis.
11. The catheter may be left in place or removed, depending on the specific situation.
12. The insertion site is cleaned and bandaged.

Throughout the procedure, patients may feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but severe pain is uncommon. The medical team will ensure the patient’s comfort and safety at all times.

Recovery and Aftercare: What to Expect Following Pericardiocentesis

After the procedure, patients enter a recovery phase where close monitoring continues. Here’s what to expect:

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

• Vital signs are closely monitored for several hours.
• Pain medication is administered as needed.
• A chest X-ray or echocardiogram may be performed to ensure no complications have occurred.
• If a drainage catheter remains in place, nurses will monitor and empty it regularly.

Hospital Stay and Discharge

The length of hospital stay varies depending on the underlying condition and the patient’s recovery. Some patients may be discharged the same day, while others may need to stay for several days. Before discharge, patients receive instructions on:

• Wound care and signs of infection to watch for
• Activity restrictions and when to resume normal activities
• Follow-up appointments and any necessary further testing
• Medications, including any changes to their regular regimen

Long-Term Outlook: Managing Pericardial Health After Pericardiocentesis

While pericardiocentesis effectively addresses the immediate issue of fluid accumulation, long-term management depends on the underlying cause of the effusion. Here are some key aspects of ongoing care:

Follow-up Care

• Regular check-ups with a cardiologist to monitor heart function
• Periodic echocardiograms to check for fluid reaccumulation
• Treatment of the underlying condition causing the effusion
• Lifestyle modifications to support heart health

Potential for Recurrence

In some cases, pericardial effusion may recur, necessitating additional interventions. Options for managing recurrent effusions include:

• Repeated pericardiocentesis procedures
• Long-term catheter drainage
• Pericardial window surgery to create a permanent drainage pathway
• In severe cases, pericardiectomy (surgical removal of part or all of the pericardium)

The choice of treatment depends on the specific circumstances of each case and is made in consultation with the patient’s healthcare team.

Advances in Pericardiocentesis: Improving Safety and Efficacy

As medical technology continues to evolve, so too does the practice of pericardiocentesis. Recent advancements have focused on improving the safety and efficacy of the procedure:

Imaging-Guided Techniques

The use of real-time imaging during pericardiocentesis has significantly enhanced the precision of the procedure. Techniques include:

• Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis, which allows for continuous visualization of the needle and surrounding structures
• CT-guided procedures for complex cases or unusual anatomy
• Fluoroscopy-guided approaches for improved catheter placement

Minimally Invasive Approaches

Researchers are exploring even less invasive methods for pericardial drainage, including:

• Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy, which creates a small, controlled opening in the pericardium
• Robotic-assisted pericardiocentesis for enhanced precision and reduced trauma

Improved Catheter Design

Advancements in catheter technology have led to:

• Smaller, more flexible catheters that reduce patient discomfort
• Antimicrobial-coated catheters to decrease the risk of infection
• Multi-lumen catheters that allow for simultaneous drainage and medication administration

These innovations continue to make pericardiocentesis a safer and more effective procedure for managing pericardial effusions.

As we’ve explored the various aspects of pericardiocentesis, from its indications and procedure to recovery and long-term management, it’s clear that this intervention plays a crucial role in cardiac care. By understanding the process and what to expect, patients can approach the procedure with confidence, knowing they’re receiving a treatment that can significantly improve their heart health and quality of life.

Pericardiocentesis | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is pericardiocentesis?

Pericardiocentesis is a procedure done to remove fluid that has built up in the sac around the heart (pericardium). It’s done using a needle and small catheter to drain excess fluid.

A fibrous sac known as the pericardium surrounds the heart. This sac is made of two thin layers with a small amount of fluid between them. This fluid reduces friction between the layers as they rub against each other when the heart beats. In some cases, too much fluid builds up between these two layers. This is called pericardial effusion. When this happens, it can affect the normal function of the heart. Pericardiocentesis drains this fluid and prevents future fluid buildup.

During pericardiocentesis, a doctor inserts a needle through the chest wall and into the tissue around the heart. Once the needle is inside the pericardium, the doctor inserts a long, thin tube called a catheter. The doctor uses the catheter to drain excess fluid. The catheter may come right out after the procedure. Or it may stay in place for several hours or overnight. This is to make sure all the fluid has drained, and to prevent fluid from building up again.

Why might I need pericardiocentesis?

Many medical conditions can cause fluid to build up around the heart. This fluid buildup can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. This may be treatable with medicine. In other cases, this fluid buildup is life threatening and needs draining right away.

Pericardiocentesis can help drain the fluid around the heart. And it can help diagnose the cause of the extra fluid. Conditions that can cause pericardial effusion include:

• Infection of the heart or pericardial sac
• Cancer
• Inflammation of the pericardial sac due to a heart attack
• Injury
• Immune system disease
• Reactions to certain drugs
• Radiation
• Metabolic causes, like kidney failure with uremia

Sometimes the cause of fluid buildup is unknown.

Pericardiocentesis is not the only method to remove fluid around the heart. However, it is preferred because it is less invasive than surgery. Sometimes doctors surgically drain the fluid. This may be done in people who have had chronic fluid buildup or inflammation, in people who might need part of the pericardium removed, or in people whose fluid has certain characteristics.

What are the risks of pericardiocentesis?

All procedures have some risks. The risks of pericardiocentesis include:

• Puncturing the heart, which may require surgery to repair
• Puncturing the liver
• Excess bleeding, which might compress the heart and affect its normal function
• Air in the chest cavity
• Infection
• Abnormal heart rhythms (which can cause death in rare instances)
• Heart failure with fluid in the lungs (rare)

There is also a chance that the fluid around the heart will come back. If this happens, you might need to repeat the procedure, or you might eventually need all or part of your pericardium removed.

Your own risks may vary according to your age, your general health, and the reason for your procedure or type of surgery you have. They may also vary depending on the anatomy of the heart, fluid, and pericardium. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out what risks may apply to you.

How do I get ready for pericardiocentesis?

Ask your doctor how to prepare for pericardiocentesis. You will probably need to avoid eating and drinking for 6 hours or more before the procedure. Ask the doctor whether you need to stop taking any medicines before the procedure.

The doctor may want some extra tests before the surgery. These might include:

• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG), to check the heart rhythm
• Blood tests, to assess general health
• Echocardiogram, to view blood flow through the heart and the fluid around the heart
• CT or MRI, if the doctor needs more information about the heart
• Heart catheterization, to measure the pressure within the heart

What happens during pericardiocentesis?

Talk to your doctor about what will happen during your procedure. A cardiologist and a surgical team will do the procedure. The following is a description of catheter-based pericardiocentesis, the most common form. In general:

• You will be awake. An IV will be inserted in your hand or arm. You will most likely be given medicine to make you sleepy before the procedure starts.
• Your vital signs will be closely watched.
• The procedure should take around an hour.
• Your doctor will do an echocardiogram to view the fluid around your heart and your heart anatomy. This will help determine the best place to insert the needle.
• The doctor will apply a local anesthetic at the needle insertion site, below the breastbone.
• The doctor will insert the needle through the skin. You might feel this as pressure or slight pain. You can have pain medicine if needed.
• The needle will be guided to the fluid in the pericardial sac with the help of an echocardiogram or X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy).
• Once the needle is in the correct area, it will be removed and replaced with a catheter. Fluid will drain out through the catheter. In some cases, this catheter may stay in place for several hours or even days. In other cases, it may come out sooner.
• The catheter will be removed when enough fluid has drained. Pressure will be applied to the catheter insertion site to prevent bleeding.

What happens after pericardiocentesis?

Ask your doctor about what to expect after the procedure. In general, after your pericardiocentesis:

• You may be groggy and disoriented upon waking.
• Your vital signs, such as your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, will be carefully watched.
• If the catheter that was used to drain the fluid is left in place, it will be checked to make sure it’s not blocked before it can be safely removed.
• You may have an echocardiogram to confirm the absence of fluid re-accumulation.
• You may have a chest X-ray to make sure the needle did not puncture your lung during the procedure.
• A sample of the drained fluid may be sent to a lab for testing.
• You will probably need to stay in the hospital for one or more days. This may partly depend on the reason for your pericardiocentesis.

After you leave the hospital:

• You should be able to resume normal activities relatively soon, but avoid vigorous exercise until your doctor says it’s OK.
• Make sure you keep all of your follow-up appointments.
• Call the doctor if you have fever, increased draining from the needle insertion site, chest pain, or any severe symptoms.
• Follow all the instructions your healthcare provider gives you for medicines, exercise, diet, and wound care.

Many people note improvements in their symptoms right after having pericardiocentesis.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:

• The name of the test or procedure
• The reason you are having the test or procedure
• What results to expect and what they mean
• The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
• What the possible side effects or complications are
• When and where you are to have the test or procedure
• Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
• What would  happen if you did not have the test or procedure
• Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
• When and how will you get the results
• Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
• How much will you have to pay for the test or procedure

Fluid Around Heart: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The layers of a thin, sac-like structure called the pericardium surrounds your heart and protects its function. When the pericardium becomes injured or affected by infection or disease, fluid can build up between its delicate layers. This condition is called pericardial effusion. Fluid around the heart puts a strain on this organ’s ability to pump blood efficiently.

This condition can have serious complications, including death, if it isn’t treated. Here, we’ll cover the causes, symptoms, and treatments for fluid buildup around your heart.

Serious medical condition

Your best chance at successfully treating fluid around the heart is getting an early diagnosis. Speak to a doctor if you’re concerned that you may have pericardial effusion.

The causes of fluid around your heart can vary widely.

Pericarditis

This condition refers to inflammation of the pericardium — the thin sac that surrounds your heart. It often occurs after you’ve had a respiratory infection. The American Heart Association points out that men between the ages of 20 and 50 years old are the most likely to experience pericarditis.

There are several different types of pericarditis:

Bacterial pericarditis

Staphylococcus, pneumococcus, streptococcus, and other kinds of bacteria can enter the fluid that surrounds the pericardium and cause bacterial pericarditis.

Viral pericarditis

Viral pericarditis can be a complication of a viral infection in your body. Gastrointestinal viruses and HIV can cause this kind of pericarditis.

Idiopathic pericarditis

Idiopathic pericarditis refers to pericarditis with no cause that doctors can determine.

Congestive heart failure

Nearly 5 million Americans live with congestive heart failure. This condition occurs when your heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently. It can lead to fluid around your heart and other complications.

Injury or trauma

An injury or trauma can puncture the pericardium or injure your heart itself, causing fluid to build up around your heart.

Cancer or cancer treatment

Certain cancers can cause a pericardial effusion. Lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and lymphoma can cause fluid to build up around your heart.

In some cases, the chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) can cause a pericardial effusion. This complication is rare.

Heart attack

A heart attack can lead to your pericardium being inflamed. This inflammation can cause fluid around your heart.

Kidney failure

Kidney failure with uremia can lead to your heart having trouble pumping blood. For some people, this results in pericardial effusion.

Fluid around your lungs is called a pleural effusion. There are some conditions that can lead to fluid around your heart and your lungs, as well. These include:

• congestive heart failure
• a chest cold or pneumonia
• organ failure
• trauma or injury

You may have fluid around your heart and not have any signs or symptoms. If you are able to notice symptoms, they may include:

• chest pain
• a feeling of “fullness” in your chest
• discomfort when you lie down
• shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• difficulty breathing

If a doctor suspects that you have fluid around your heart, you’ll be tested before you receive a diagnosis. Tests you might need to diagnose this condition include:

• chest X-ray
• echocardiogram
• electrocardiogram

If your doctor diagnoses fluid around your heart, they may need to remove some of the fluid to test it for infection or cancer.

Treating fluid around the heart will depend on the underlying cause, as well as your age and your general health.

If your symptoms aren’t severe and you’re in stable condition, you may be given antibiotics to treat an infection, aspirin (Bufferin) to numb discomfort, or both. If the fluid around your lungs is related to inflammation, you may also be given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil).

If fluid around your heart continues to build up, the pericardium can put so much pressure on your heart that it becomes dangerous. In these cases, your doctor may recommend draining the fluid through a catheter inserted into your chest or open-heart surgery to repair your pericardium and your heart.

Fluid around the heart has many causes. Some of these causes put your health at a higher risk than others. Once your doctor has determined you have this condition, they will help you make decisions about treatment.

Depending on your age, your symptoms, and your general health, you may be able to manage this condition with over-the-counter or prescription medication while you wait for the fluid to be absorbed into your body.

In some cases, more drastic action — like draining the fluid or open-heart surgery — become necessary. Your best chance at successfully treating this condition is getting an early diagnosis. Speak to a doctor if you’re concerned that you may have fluid around your heart.

How to recognize the symptoms of pericarditis?

Pericarditis is swelling or irritation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. Usually this violation appears suddenly and does not last long (acute form). If the symptoms develop gradually or do not go away for a long time, this is chronic pericarditis.

In most cases, this disorder is not serious and goes away on its own. Treatment for the more severe form includes medication and, in rare cases, surgery may be required.

There are different classifications of this disorder, depending on the nature of the symptoms and their duration. The acute form usually bothers less than 3 weeks, and continuous pericarditis lasts 4-6 weeks, but less than 3 months.

The relapsing form of the disease is diagnosed when the disorder occurs 4-6 weeks after the first episode of symptoms. With a relapsing form, the symptoms come and go. If symptoms persist for more than three months, the doctor diagnoses chronic pericarditis.

The main symptom of the acute form of the disorder is a sharp, dagger-like pain in the chest, right behind the sternum or in the left side of the chest. But some people with the acute form describe their pain as a dull or pressing pain that comes and goes.

Sometimes with acute pericarditis, the pain moves to the left shoulder or neck. It often gets worse when the person lies down, coughs, or takes deep breaths. Pain can be relieved by leaning forward or sitting down. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between pericardial pain and pain that occurs with a heart attack.

Chronic pericarditis is most commonly associated with chronic inflammation. It can lead to a buildup of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion). The most common symptom of the chronic form of the disease is chest pain.

Depending on the type of disorder, the symptoms of pericarditis may include some or all of the following:

• Sharp, piercing pain in the center or left side of the chest, which is very often worse during a strong inspiration,
• Shortness of breath when the person leans back armchairs or sofas,
• Cardiac arrhythmia,
• Subfebrile temperature,
• General weakness, fatigue and ailment,
• Cough,
• Swelling of the abdomen or legs.

Normally, the two-layered pericardial sac that surrounds the heart contains a small amount of lubricating fluid. In this disorder, this sac becomes inflamed, and the resulting friction causes pain in the chest.

The exact cause of pericarditis is often very difficult to determine. In most cases, doctors either cannot do this or suspect a viral infection. Often this disorder appears after a person has had a respiratory infection.

Sometimes this disorder appears shortly after a major heart attack due to irritation of the damaged heart muscle. The delayed form of the disease can develop several weeks after a heart attack or heart surgery.

Other causes of pericarditis:

• Systemic inflammatory disorders – including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis0020
• Other health problems, including kidney failure, AIDS, tuberculosis and cancer,
• Certain medications. These include phenytoin (an antiepileptic drug), warfarin and heparin (anticoagulants), and procainamide (an antiarrhythmic drug).

What complications can develop if left untreated:

1. Constrictive pericarditis. This is rare, but in some patients, especially those with prolonged inflammation and chronic relapses, the pericardium thickens and scars. In this case, it loses some of its elasticity and resembles a hard case that compresses the heart, preventing it from performing its functions. This condition is called constrictive pericarditis and results in severe swelling in the legs and abdomen, as well as shortness of breath.
2. Cardiac tamponade is a dangerous condition in which too much fluid accumulates in the pericardium. The excess fluid puts pressure on the heart and prevents it from filling properly with blood. Ultimately, the heart pumps less blood, resulting in a severe drop in blood pressure. If cardiac tamponade is not quickly resolved, the person is at risk of death.

Diagnosis of pericarditis

The first thing the cardiologist will do is listen to the chest for sounds characteristic of this disorder. These sounds are made when the layers of the pericardium rub against each other. Also, the patient is referred for tests that help detect inflammation, accumulation of excess fluid, or a heart attack. If the doctor suspects a bacterial or other infection, the patient will be given a blood test.

To diagnose pericarditis, patients undergo one or more of the following procedures:

• Electrocardiogram – to detect disease or a heart attack,
• Chest X-ray – helps evaluate the shape and size of the heart. If the heart muscle is enlarged, this indicates a possible accumulation of fluid in the pericardium,
• Echocardiogram – this procedure creates an image of the heart and its structures, and also helps to detect fluid accumulation,
• Computed tomography (CT) – this diagnostic method creates a more detailed image of the heart and pericardium than x-rays. CT is also used to rule out other causes of acute chest pain, including a pulmonary artery clot or aortic dissection .

Treatment pericarditis

The choice of treatment tactics depends not only on the underlying cause, but also on the severity of the disease. Mild forms can go away on their own – without any medications or procedures.

Drugs are prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling associated with pericarditis. Doctors may prescribe:

• Painkillers. Pain is usually relieved with aspirin or ibuprofen, which also help reduce inflammation.
• Colchicine – reduces inflammation in the body and is prescribed for the treatment of acute and recurrent pericarditis. Colchicine can reduce the duration of symptoms, as well as reduce the likelihood of relapses. But this drug should not be taken by people with liver or kidney disease. Before prescribing colchicine, the doctor must review the medical history.
• Corticosteroids. If the patient does not respond to painkillers or colchicine, or if symptoms of pericarditis recur, doctors prescribe steroid medications such as prednisone.

Recovery takes from several days to several weeks or even months.

According to experts from the American Heart Association, pericarditis most often affects men aged 20-50 years. Among people who have been treated for an acute form of the disease, 15-30% experience it again. Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman and how old you are, if you have chest pains, it is better to go to the doctor right away.

Sources:

1. Pericarditis, Mayo Clinic,
2. What is Pericarditis, American Heart Association,
3. Pericarditis, The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

cardiologist

therapist

diagnostics

treatment, diagnosis, causes, symptoms — 8(495)120-02-05

Pericarditis is an inflammatory process in the visceral and parietal pericardial layers, with where fluid can accumulate in the cavity pericardium and disorders in adjacent tissues. These manifestations, in turn, disrupt the normal functioning of the heart muscle.
The pericardium is needed to maintain the correct orientation of the heart in the mediastinum and prevent the myocardium from overgrowth during excessive overloads. It is a combination of the outer fibrous part and the inner serous part, which is divided into the serous pericardial sac and the epicardium. Between them there is a cavity that contains about 20-30 ml of liquid. The fluid moisturizes the surface of the pericardium and reduces friction during heart contractions.

Causes of pericarditis

Pericarditis does not occur on its own, but is usually triggered by various viruses and bacterial infections, pneumonia, coronary artery disease, tumors or autoimmune processes, as well as allergic reactions. If a person is healthy, then the volume of pericardial fluid is constant. If a violation occurs, then the exudation of fluid and protein components of the blood into the pericardial cavity increases.

First, this leads to compression of the heart from the outside, and then, as a result of fibrin deposits, peculiar adhesions are formed. All these processes significantly reduce the efficiency of heart contractions, thus creating prerequisites for the development of heart failure.

Symptoms of pericarditis

With pericarditis, there are rarely pronounced symptoms, and the most severe forms of the pathology are characterized by a clinical picture of heart failure. The following are the classic pericardial symptoms that patients with pericarditis may complain of:

• shortness of breath,
• chest pain,
• palpitations,
• rapid or irregular pulse,
• dry cough,
• general malaise,
• fever.

The severity and intensity of symptoms depends on the form of pericarditis: acute (less than 6 weeks) or chronic (respectively, more than 6 weeks).

Diagnosis of pericarditis

A comprehensive examination is used to diagnose pericarditis, which includes an external examination of the patient, echocardiography (EchoCG), electrocardiography (ECG), chest x-ray, blood test. During an external examination, the doctor may find swollen neck veins or swelling of the legs.

Using a cardiovisor, you can detect the slightest abnormalities in the structure and function of the myocardium, which can increase the success of treatment. EchoCG shows the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system. A blood test can detect markers of inflammation and markers of myocardial dysfunction. X-rays often show changes in the structure of the heart.

Pericarditis is a serious pathology of the cardiovascular system

.

Do not self-medicate and do not wait for the disease to become severe!

Treatment of pericarditis

Treatment of pericarditis depends on the severity of the disease: hospitalization for acute form and outpatient treatment for relatively mild pericarditis. For effective therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Among them is ibuprofen, which has a minimal set of side effects. It has an excellent effect on coronary blood flow.

If pericarditis occurs in the presence of coronary heart disease, the doctor may prescribe aspirin or diclofenac, as well as indomethacin, but the latter has many serious side effects.

When taking non-steroidal antiviral agents, it is required to take drugs that prevent irritation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. After about 2-3 weeks, the doctor can evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. If the dynamics are positive, then therapy is continued until the symptoms disappear. If the result was unsatisfactory, then the medicine must be replaced with a drug of another group.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe colchicine or other drugs, but keep in mind that self-treatment should not be done! You can only aggravate the condition. An obligatory stage of treatment is observation after complete recovery, as well as regular monitoring by the attending physician. It is important to prevent relapse!

Cardiologists

.

I accept the agreement for the processing of personal data.

Cardiology

Cardiology
Primary cardiologist consultation (Head of Department Dr. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Website