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Heart Services

Diagnosis & Treatment

Pericarditis

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How is Pericarditis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis
  • Physical examination. To diagnose pericarditis, your doctor will first examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to heart sounds, which will help in diagnosing pericarditis.
  • Blood tests may be done to check if you have any inflammation or infection.

Tests to diagnose pericarditis may include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG). Measures your heart's electrical activity, rate, and rhythm.
  • Echocardiogram. Creates an image of the valves and chambers in your heart and measures the level your heart is pumping.
  • Chest X-ray. Shows the condition of the heart and lungs which can help diagnose an enlarged heart.
  • Coronary CT scan (computerized tomography). Creates images of the inside of your body and can show your heart in detail. It can be used to find heart thickening that may lead to constrictive pericarditis.
  • Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of your heart. A cardiac MRI scan can find thickening, inflammation, and other changes in the pericardium.

How is Pericarditis Treated?

Treatment

Treatment for pericarditis depends on the cause and symptoms. Often, medications and rest are the only treatment for pericarditis. If you have mild pericarditis, you may get better without treatment.

Medications

Often, medications are the only treatment for pericarditis.

  • Anti-inflammatory medication. Treatment for acute pericarditis may include medication for pain and inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen or colchicine.
  • Antibiotic or antifungal medication may be prescribed depending on the cause of the infection.
  • Steroids or other medications are effective in reducing pericarditis symptoms but are typically prescribed if other medicines don't help.

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary for recurrent pericarditis that doesn't respond to other treatments.

  • Pericardiocentesis. If drainage of excess fluid is necessary, it can be performed surgically or by the insertion of a catheter.
  • Pericardiectomy. Surgical removal of the pericardium will be recommended only if other treatments don't work.

FAQs

FAQs

Sharp chest pain is the most common symptom of pericarditis that is usually felt on the left side of the chest or behind the breastbone. The pain worsens when lying down, taking a deep breath, or coughing.

If you have pericarditis, you might feel discomfort sleeping on the left side, and experience shortness of breath when lying flat. You may sleep better in an elevated bed position. A heating pad or warm compress on the chest may help ease the pain and discomfort.

The most common symptom of acute pericarditis is a sudden, sharp, stabbing pain that worsens when you breathe deeply or lie down. It might feel like a heart attack.

Most people with acute pericarditis recover in 2 weeks to 3 months, but pericarditis may recur (come back).

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Pericarditis Treatment

The cardiology specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian have been at the forefront of research and innovation in the care of heart conditions and provide advanced cardiac care to adults and children with heart diseases and disorders, such as endocarditis.

Learn more about our general cardiology services or contact NewYork-Presbyterian to make an appointment.