Pericarditis
by Dr Tamkeen Kinah
Pericarditis
Do you experience sharp chest pain, especially when lying down, or notice your heart beating unusually fast? These troubling symptoms may indicate pericarditis, which is inflammation of the thin, double-layered membrane surrounding the heart.
While often mild, pericarditis can sometimes signal an underlying cardiac issue requiring prompt medical attention and expert treatment in Dubai.
Dr Tamkeen Kinah specialises in comprehensive cardiac care, focusing on diagnosing and treating pericarditis. He understands the discomfort and concern pericarditis can cause and is committed to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care to restore your heart health.
What is pericarditis?
When the pericardium, the heart’s surrounding sac, becomes inflamed, the condition is known as pericarditis. This sac contains a small amount of fluid that helps lubricate the heart as it beats.
When inflamed, the layers of the pericardium can rub against each other, causing characteristic chest pain. While the exact causes of pericarditis are not always clear, it often results from:
Viral infections: Most commonly caused by influenza, coxsackievirus, echovirus)
Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections: Though less common, these can also lead to pericarditis.
Heart attack: Dressler’s syndrome is a type of pericarditis that can appear weeks after a heart attack.
Autoimmune diseases: Chronic inflammatory disorders like lupus or RA (rheumatoid arthritis)
- Kidney failure
- Certain medications
- Trauma to the chest
Identifying the root cause is essential to guide the proper treatment of pericarditis.
Recognising pericarditis symptoms
One of the most noticeable signs of pericarditis is acute chest pain, often sharp and located in the middle or left side of the chest. This type of pain can:
- Worsen when taking a deep breath, coughing, or lying down flat.
- Improve when leaning forward.
- Radiate to the neck, shoulder, or back.
Other pericarditis symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations (fluttering or pounding heart)
- Cough
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (in severe cases)
If you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, it’s important to get medical help right away, as they may resemble other serious heart issues.
Understanding the types of pericarditis
Pericarditis can be categorised based on its onset and duration:
Acute pericarditis: Symptoms appear suddenly and typically last less than a few weeks. This is the most common form, often triggered by a viral infection, and is the focus of acute pericarditis treatment.
Incessant pericarditis: Symptoms persist for over 4-6 weeks but less than 3 months.
Recurrent pericarditis: Episodes recur after a symptom-free interval of at least 4-6 weeks.
Chronic constrictive pericarditis: A less common but more dangerous form occurs when the pericardium becomes stiff and fibrotic, impairing heart function. Accurate diagnosis of the types of pericarditis is essential for guiding the appropriate treatment in Dubai.
Comprehensive treatment of pericarditis with Dr Tamkeen Kinah
The treatment of pericarditis aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and address the underlying cause. Dr Tamkeen Kinah customises the heart infection treatment in Dubai based on the type and severity of pericarditis:
1. Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Like ibuprofen or aspirin, are typically the first line of defence for pain and inflammation
Colchicine: An anti-inflammatory drug often used alongside NSAIDs, especially for recurrent pericarditis.
Corticosteroids: In cases of severe symptoms or treatment resistance, steriods can be used, though its use is carefully monitored due to side effect risks.
Antibiotics/Antifungals: If a bacterial or fungal infection is identified as the cause.
Medical procedures ( For severe cases)
Pericardiocentesis: is a procedure where a needle is introduced in the pericardial space to drain the fluid if fluid buildup around the heart (pericardial effusion) causes significant pressure and hemodynamic instability.
Pericardiectomy: In rare cases of chronic constrictive pericarditis where the sac becomes thick and rigid, surgical removal of part of the pericardium may be necessary for the heart to pump normally.
For viral pericarditis, treatment often focuses on managing symptoms as the body fights off the infection. Dr Tamkeen Kinah emphasises rest and avoiding strenuous activities during recovery.
Diagnosing pericarditis:What to expect?
Dr Tamkeen Kinah uses sophisticated diagnostic methods to establish the diagnosis and discover the underlying cause.
- Physical exam
- Electrocardiograme (ECG)
- Chest X-ray
- Echocardiograme (Echo): A vital test that uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart. Pericarditis in echo may reveal inflammation, fluid buildup (pericardial effusion), or signs of constriction.
- Blood tests
- Cardiac MRI/CT Scan
Expert management of pericarditis with Dr Tamkeen Kinah
If you’re looking for expert and compassionate cardiac care in Dubai, Dr Tamkeen Kinah is a leading specialist in managing various heart conditions, including pericarditis .
With an impressive international academic background and extensive experience in clinical cardiovascular medicine, he is known for his holistic, patient-first approach.
He provides precise diagnosis and tailored heart infection treatment in Dubai, guiding you through every step of your recovery.
Schedule a consultation with Dr Tamkeen Kinah, where compassion meets clinical precision for optimal cardiac care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best treatment for pericarditis typically begins with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or high-dose aspirin to reduce inflammation and pain.
Often, colchicine is added, especially for recurrent cases, as it significantly reduces the risk of future episodes. Corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed for severe cases or when other treatments fail, but they are generally reserved as a last option due to possible side effects.
The specific “best” treatment depends on the underlying cause, the type of pericarditis (acute, recurrent, etc.), and the individual’s response to medication.
While most cases of acute pericarditis are mild and resolve within weeks, it can sometimes lead to serious, life-threatening complications. These include:
Cardiac tamponade: A dangerous condition where excessive fluid buildup in the pericardium puts pressure on the heart, preventing it from filling properly.
Constrictive pericarditis: A rare but severe long-term complication where the pericardium becomes thick and rigid, permanently impairing heart function. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of pericarditis are crucial to prevent these severe outcomes.
Acute pericarditis typically resolves within a few weeks (2-6 weeks) with appropriate treatment and rest. However, some individuals may experience persistent symptoms (incessant pericarditis, lasting over 4-6 weeks) or recurrent episodes (recurrent pericarditis).
Chronic constrictive pericarditis is a persistent condition that often necessitates more aggressive treatment or surgical intervention.
Recovery time largely depends on the cause, the individual’s response to treatment, and adherence to medical advice.
Current treatment guidelines for pericarditis generally recommend:
- First-line therapy: High-dose NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin) combined with colchicine.
- Duration of therapy: NSAIDs are gradually tapered over several weeks, while colchicine is often continued for at least 3 months to prevent recurrence.
- Corticosteroids: Reserved for cases unresponsive to NSAIDs/colchicine, or when NSAIDs are contraindicated, due to a higher risk of recurrence.
- Activity restriction: Rest and avoidance of strenuous physical activity are crucial during the acute phase and until symptoms resolve, sometimes for several months, to prevent recurrence.
- Addressing the cause: Treating any underlying conditions (e.g., bacterial infection with antibiotics). These guidelines aim to effectively manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and minimise the risk of recurrence and complications.