Aa
What causes Pericarditis
Hello,
I had a cardioversion for atrial fib on March 10. Yesterday, I had the worst heart pain I have every had and went to the ER to die. It was diagnosed as Pericarditis. They gave me morphine and some kind of anti-inflamatory meds and in awhile I discovered I would survive. They sent me home the next day and now I'm afraid of every tinge. I still am taking anti-inflammation meds but it seems to just be laying there ready to start again. I have a pacemaker, have had triple bypass surgery, and an ablation for atrial flutter. Can you tell me what caused it, how to keep from getting it again EVER, and what else can I do. My dr. wants me to go get an echogram and see a cardiologist. I live in the mts. of WV and it is a long way to get anywhere to get assistance. Our little country hospital treats you and flys you out if it is critical to Roanoke or Charleston. I come to Cleveland to MetroHealth when I need a procedure and had a Cleveland Clinic surgeon. Please help me. I have nobody to ask. I am 65 years old.
This discussion is related to 7 x Recurrent Pericarditis.
I had a cardioversion for atrial fib on March 10. Yesterday, I had the worst heart pain I have every had and went to the ER to die. It was diagnosed as Pericarditis. They gave me morphine and some kind of anti-inflamatory meds and in awhile I discovered I would survive. They sent me home the next day and now I'm afraid of every tinge. I still am taking anti-inflammation meds but it seems to just be laying there ready to start again. I have a pacemaker, have had triple bypass surgery, and an ablation for atrial flutter. Can you tell me what caused it, how to keep from getting it again EVER, and what else can I do. My dr. wants me to go get an echogram and see a cardiologist. I live in the mts. of WV and it is a long way to get anywhere to get assistance. Our little country hospital treats you and flys you out if it is critical to Roanoke or Charleston. I come to Cleveland to MetroHealth when I need a procedure and had a Cleveland Clinic surgeon. Please help me. I have nobody to ask. I am 65 years old.
This discussion is related to 7 x Recurrent Pericarditis.
Hi,
I`m a 22 year old girl and I am very active on a daily basis: I work, I'm a student, I do sports 3 to 4 times a week. 5 years ago I had a bad case of Pericarditis: I was coughing pretty bad, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, sleeping in a sitting position for like 3 to 4 months after I was given misdiagnoses: a cold, sinus infection and bronchitis. It went away on its own.
What I am experiencing now, after so many years is extreme fatigue all day long, severe pain in my feet (the tibia area and knee), constantly having flu after flu, heart beat irregularities (2-3 times a week I get a few bad days when all of a sudden for 30 seconds - 1 minute it feels like it did when I had Pericarditis but lighter - just beating up as if it would break into pieces) and then it stops like nothing happened once I stand up. Another thing I'm noticing is my articulations are popping (with no pain) .
I've been to some physicians ( one internist, one generalist, one cardiologist) and they say it is just stress... But the thing is, I don`t really have time to get stressed...I like what I do and my life is just full of nice things. Another diagnosis is Althralgia.. But the problem is that after I have done my blood tests they came out pretty good : the calcium is OK, so is the iron and magnesium...and the rheumatoid factor is not found. Everything else is fine too. The problem is the pain has worsened in the cold season and it is difficult for me to walk and as the bone problems get worse, the heart irregular beats as I call them, are more and more frequent... I don`t know what physician I should go to next...As I am not from the States, I will not be asking you to recommend some very good doctor, just perhaps you might have had similar symptoms and you were able to detect the cause.... I've been browsing the internet for similar symptoms in search of a disease with no luck.
I wold appreciate an answer.
I`m a 22 year old girl and I am very active on a daily basis: I work, I'm a student, I do sports 3 to 4 times a week. 5 years ago I had a bad case of Pericarditis: I was coughing pretty bad, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, sleeping in a sitting position for like 3 to 4 months after I was given misdiagnoses: a cold, sinus infection and bronchitis. It went away on its own.
What I am experiencing now, after so many years is extreme fatigue all day long, severe pain in my feet (the tibia area and knee), constantly having flu after flu, heart beat irregularities (2-3 times a week I get a few bad days when all of a sudden for 30 seconds - 1 minute it feels like it did when I had Pericarditis but lighter - just beating up as if it would break into pieces) and then it stops like nothing happened once I stand up. Another thing I'm noticing is my articulations are popping (with no pain) .
I've been to some physicians ( one internist, one generalist, one cardiologist) and they say it is just stress... But the thing is, I don`t really have time to get stressed...I like what I do and my life is just full of nice things. Another diagnosis is Althralgia.. But the problem is that after I have done my blood tests they came out pretty good : the calcium is OK, so is the iron and magnesium...and the rheumatoid factor is not found. Everything else is fine too. The problem is the pain has worsened in the cold season and it is difficult for me to walk and as the bone problems get worse, the heart irregular beats as I call them, are more and more frequent... I don`t know what physician I should go to next...As I am not from the States, I will not be asking you to recommend some very good doctor, just perhaps you might have had similar symptoms and you were able to detect the cause.... I've been browsing the internet for similar symptoms in search of a disease with no luck.
I wold appreciate an answer.
Pericarditis is caused by:
* Bacterial usually MRSA or Strep
* Fungal infections like Candida galbrata
* Viral infections, including HIV
* Purulent pericarditis
* Tuberculosis
* Mediastinal radiation, recent or remote
* Myocardial infarction
* Cardiac surgery
* Recent or remote sharp or blunt chest trauma like Airbags in car accidents
* Cardiac diagnostic or interventional procedure
* Drugs and toxins
* Metabolic disorders, especially uremia, dialysis, and hypothyroidism
* Malignancy, especially lung and breast cancer, Hodgkin's disease, mesothelioma
* Collagen vascular diseases
* Idiopathic
See Also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pericarditis
To culture the pericardiac fluid to rule out bacterial or fungal infections and deterrmine TB or exact antibiotic treatment options, Paracardiocentesis is done: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pericardiocentesis
Certain medications and toxicity cause pericarditis:
TYPES:
Acute fibrinous pericarditis the pericardium is inflamed and covered with a layer of material called fibrin.
Acute purulent pericarditis the pericardium is covered with thick pus.
Acute constrictive pericarditis the pericardium is covered with a dense mass of calcified fibrosis material.
Chronic pericarditis caused by a long-term infection such as tuberculosis.
The treatment of acute pericarditis depends on the cause.
In general, the patient is told to rest in bed and to take aspirin or an anti-inflammatory drug, such as indomethacin (Indocin) for pain. If pain persists, the doctor may switch you to a glucocorticoid medication, such as prednisone (sold under several brand names). Patients with tuberculous pericarditis will need anti-tuberculosis medication. Those with a pyogenic bacterial infection will need strong antibiotics. Patients with uremic pericarditis caused by kidney failure will need a more intensified program of hemodialysis.
Since most pericarditis is caused by a virus and will heal naturally, there is no specific, curative treatment. Ordinary antibiotics do not work against viruses. Pericarditis that comes from a virus usually clears up in two weeks to three months. Medications may be used to reduce inflammation, however. They include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Corticosteroids are helpful if the pericarditis was caused by a heart attack or systemic lupus erythematosus. Analgesics (painkillers such as aspirin or acetaminophen) also may be given. In rare cases, anti-anxiety drugs are also given.
If the pericarditis recurs, removal of all or part of the pericardium (pericardiectomy) may be necessary. In the case of constrictive pericarditis, the pericardiectomy may be necessary to remove the stiffened parts of the pericardium that are preventing the heart from beating correctly. If a cardiac tamponade is present, it may be necessary to drain excess fluid from the pericardium. Pericardiocentesis, the same procedure used for testing, will be used to withdraw the fluid. For most people, home care with rest and medications to relieve pain are sufficient. A warm heating pad or compress also may help relieve pain. Sitting in an upright position and bending forward helps relieve discomfort. A person with pericarditis may also be kept in bed, with the head of the bed elevated to reduce the heart's need to work hard as it pumps blood. Along with painkillers and antibiotics, diuretic drugs ("water pills") to reduce fluids may also be used judiciously.
The operation to remove the pericardium is called surgical pericardectomy. Surgery may be considered if the pericardium is scarred and inflexible, or if pericarditis keeps recurring. The damaged parts of the pericardium are removed or the entire sac is cut away, depending on the severity. Even though the pericardium helps to support and protect the heart, its removal doesn't cause any harm. The heart can function perfectly well without it.
* Bacterial usually MRSA or Strep
* Fungal infections like Candida galbrata
* Viral infections, including HIV
* Purulent pericarditis
* Tuberculosis
* Mediastinal radiation, recent or remote
* Myocardial infarction
* Cardiac surgery
* Recent or remote sharp or blunt chest trauma like Airbags in car accidents
* Cardiac diagnostic or interventional procedure
* Drugs and toxins
* Metabolic disorders, especially uremia, dialysis, and hypothyroidism
* Malignancy, especially lung and breast cancer, Hodgkin's disease, mesothelioma
* Collagen vascular diseases
* Idiopathic
See Also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pericarditis
To culture the pericardiac fluid to rule out bacterial or fungal infections and deterrmine TB or exact antibiotic treatment options, Paracardiocentesis is done: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pericardiocentesis
Certain medications and toxicity cause pericarditis:
TYPES:
Acute fibrinous pericarditis the pericardium is inflamed and covered with a layer of material called fibrin.
Acute purulent pericarditis the pericardium is covered with thick pus.
Acute constrictive pericarditis the pericardium is covered with a dense mass of calcified fibrosis material.
Chronic pericarditis caused by a long-term infection such as tuberculosis.
The treatment of acute pericarditis depends on the cause.
In general, the patient is told to rest in bed and to take aspirin or an anti-inflammatory drug, such as indomethacin (Indocin) for pain. If pain persists, the doctor may switch you to a glucocorticoid medication, such as prednisone (sold under several brand names). Patients with tuberculous pericarditis will need anti-tuberculosis medication. Those with a pyogenic bacterial infection will need strong antibiotics. Patients with uremic pericarditis caused by kidney failure will need a more intensified program of hemodialysis.
Since most pericarditis is caused by a virus and will heal naturally, there is no specific, curative treatment. Ordinary antibiotics do not work against viruses. Pericarditis that comes from a virus usually clears up in two weeks to three months. Medications may be used to reduce inflammation, however. They include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Corticosteroids are helpful if the pericarditis was caused by a heart attack or systemic lupus erythematosus. Analgesics (painkillers such as aspirin or acetaminophen) also may be given. In rare cases, anti-anxiety drugs are also given.
If the pericarditis recurs, removal of all or part of the pericardium (pericardiectomy) may be necessary. In the case of constrictive pericarditis, the pericardiectomy may be necessary to remove the stiffened parts of the pericardium that are preventing the heart from beating correctly. If a cardiac tamponade is present, it may be necessary to drain excess fluid from the pericardium. Pericardiocentesis, the same procedure used for testing, will be used to withdraw the fluid. For most people, home care with rest and medications to relieve pain are sufficient. A warm heating pad or compress also may help relieve pain. Sitting in an upright position and bending forward helps relieve discomfort. A person with pericarditis may also be kept in bed, with the head of the bed elevated to reduce the heart's need to work hard as it pumps blood. Along with painkillers and antibiotics, diuretic drugs ("water pills") to reduce fluids may also be used judiciously.
The operation to remove the pericardium is called surgical pericardectomy. Surgery may be considered if the pericardium is scarred and inflexible, or if pericarditis keeps recurring. The damaged parts of the pericardium are removed or the entire sac is cut away, depending on the severity. Even though the pericardium helps to support and protect the heart, its removal doesn't cause any harm. The heart can function perfectly well without it.
Hi there. I have pulled up some helpful information from the Mayo Clinic regarding pericarditis that may be a benefit to you. For more information you may want to visit their site http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pericarditis/DS00505/DSECTION=3 Here it is:
Pericarditis
Causes
Under normal circumstances, the two-layered pericardial sac that surrounds your heart contains a small amount of lubricating fluid. In pericarditis the sac becomes inflamed and the resulting friction from the inflamed sac rubbing against the outer layer of your heart leads to chest pain.
In some cases the amount of fluid contained in the pericardial sac may increase, causing what is called pericardial effusion.
The cause of pericarditis is often hard to determine. In most cases doctors are either unable to determine a cause (idiopathic) or suspect a viral infection.
Pericarditis can also develop shortly after a major heart attack due to the irritation of the underlying damaged heart muscle. In addition, a delayed form of pericarditis may occur weeks after a heart attack or heart surgery because of antibody formation. This delayed pericarditis is known as Dressler's syndrome. Many experts believe Dressler's syndrome is due to an autoimmune response, a mistaken inflammatory response by the body to its own tissues — in this case, the heart and pericardium.
Other causes of pericarditis include:
Systemic inflammatory disorders. These may include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Trauma. Injury to your heart or chest may occur as a result of a motor vehicle or other accident.
Other health disorders. These may include kidney failure, AIDS, tuberculosis and cancer.
Certain medications. Some medications can cause pericarditis, although this is unusual.
Pericarditis
Causes
Under normal circumstances, the two-layered pericardial sac that surrounds your heart contains a small amount of lubricating fluid. In pericarditis the sac becomes inflamed and the resulting friction from the inflamed sac rubbing against the outer layer of your heart leads to chest pain.
In some cases the amount of fluid contained in the pericardial sac may increase, causing what is called pericardial effusion.
The cause of pericarditis is often hard to determine. In most cases doctors are either unable to determine a cause (idiopathic) or suspect a viral infection.
Pericarditis can also develop shortly after a major heart attack due to the irritation of the underlying damaged heart muscle. In addition, a delayed form of pericarditis may occur weeks after a heart attack or heart surgery because of antibody formation. This delayed pericarditis is known as Dressler's syndrome. Many experts believe Dressler's syndrome is due to an autoimmune response, a mistaken inflammatory response by the body to its own tissues — in this case, the heart and pericardium.
Other causes of pericarditis include:
Systemic inflammatory disorders. These may include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Trauma. Injury to your heart or chest may occur as a result of a motor vehicle or other accident.
Other health disorders. These may include kidney failure, AIDS, tuberculosis and cancer.
Certain medications. Some medications can cause pericarditis, although this is unusual.
I am 40 year old female... been suffering from the pericarditis symptoms for many years and have been blown off by many doctors... told I had neck and spine issues, told I have a good heart, not sure why I had the pain... two weeks ago, another episode sent me to ER, finally a heart specialist was on call and ran all kinds of tests came back and told me pericarditis. Test after test after was done, bloodwork and all... no lupus, no cancer, no liver problems... just pericardits and no explanation as to how and why. I am sitting here now, in pain... took antiflammatory drugs earlier, hopefully I will find relief shortly...hurts like heck when I breathe in.... there has to be advanced study on this thing... it is hard to hear, you have pericarditis, which to me sounds pretty serious, yet there is no cause and no way to really stop it. Would love to hear from anyone who cares to talk about this. Apparently, Toni Braxton has this same thing... do any of you out there with this sing too? I sing and have since I was 4, not sure if that is a factor or not. Thanks
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Heart Disease Community
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.
