Beyond Heart Attacks: Understanding Pericarditis and Chest Pain
Chest pain is often associated with heart attacks, understandably so. However, it’s essential to remember that this symptom can have other explanations, one of which is pericarditis.
What is Pericarditis?
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, a sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. This condition can affect individuals of all ages and genders equally. The most common culprit behind pericarditis is a viral infection.
“We’ve seen a lot of pericarditis with COVID, but you can see it with other types of infections, upper respiratory infections, you can see it with influenza,” explains Dr. Antonio Abbate, a cardiologist with UVA Health. “When the virus attacks the body, it gives an inflammatory stimulus.”
Aside from viral infections, pericarditis can also stem from inflammation following heart surgery, or even be a side effect of certain medications or vaccines.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of pericarditis typically include severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. These pains are often described as sharp or stabbing and can worsen with deep breaths or when lying down.
According to Dr. Abbate, a patient’s first episode of pericarditis can be incredibly severe and often leads to a visit to the emergency room due to concerns about a heart attack.
Treatment and Prevention
Fortunately, pericarditis is treatable. Anti-inflammatory therapies are the mainstay of treatment, effectively targeting the inflammation and often resolving the condition completely.
“The major issue is that if it’s not treated, it’s unlikely to go away,” stresses Dr. Abbate. “That pain can become significantly worse, can be burdensome, can impair your breathing, can impair your quality of life.”
Colchicine, a specific anti-inflammatory drug, has been shown to effectively reduce pain, prevent recurrences, and minimize complications. Treatment typically involves colchicine for three months for a first-time occurrence or longer if the condition recurs.
While vaccines can be listed as a possible cause for pericarditis, Dr. Abbate emphasizes that the risk associated with not getting vaccinated against COVID-19, for example, is significantly higher than the risk of developing pericarditis from vaccination.
“There’s something in the COVID virus that triggers an increased risk of having cardiovascular disease,” he explains. “When you compare that risk with the risk of vaccines, the risk of vaccines is much lower.”
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience sudden, severe chest pain, particularly when breathing deeply or lying down, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Chest pain can be a symptom of various conditions, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Don’t delay seeking medical care if you suspect you might have pericarditis. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your outcome and quality of life.
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