How does the Mayo Clinic diagnose and treat pericarditis?

How does the Mayo Clinic diagnose and treat pericarditis?

This technique uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of your heart that can reveal thickening, inflammation or other changes in the pericardium. Treatment for pericarditis depends on the cause as well as the severity. Mild cases of pericarditis may get better on their own without treatment.

When to see a doctor for constrictive pericarditis?

You can also develop an abnormal heart rhythm. If you have symptoms of constrictive pericarditis, including shortness of breath, swelling of the legs and feet, water retention, heart palpitations, and severe swelling of the abdomen, call your cardiologist to schedule an evaluation. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

How to tell if you have pericarditis or a heart attack?

Sharp pain in the chest and back of the shoulders and difficulty breathing are 2 major clues that you may have pericarditis rather than a heart attack.

What is the difference between acute pericarditis and cardiac tamponade?

Acute pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium that develops suddenly and is accompanied by the sudden onset of symptoms. Cardiac tamponade: A severe compression of the heart that impairs its ability to function. Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

What happens if a family physician misdiagnoses pericarditis?

Family physicians should be alert to the possibility of pericarditis in patients with chest pain, because misdiagnosis can have potentially fatal consequences. In particular, hemorrhage and fatal cardiac compression can occur if thrombolytic therapy is given to patients who have pericarditis.

How long does incessant pericarditis last after an episode?

Recurrent pericarditis occurs about four to six weeks after an episode of acute pericarditis with no symptoms in between. Incessant pericarditis lasts about four to six weeks but less than three months. The symptoms are continuous.

What’s the difference between a heart attack and chronic pericarditis?

At times, it may be difficult to distinguish pericardial pain from the pain that occurs with a heart attack. Chronic pericarditis is usually associated with chronic inflammation and may result in fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion). The most common symptom of chronic pericarditis is chest pain.

When does pericarditis become a recurrent symptom?

Pericarditis is described as recurrent if it occurs about four to six weeks after an episode of acute pericarditis with a symptom-free interval in between. Pericarditis is considered chronic if symptoms last longer than three months.