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Pericarditis Health Article

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Pericardium

Pericarditis

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Complications

Arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. When pericarditis accompanies myocarditis, other arrhythmias may be present, such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or complete heart block.
Cardiac tamponade
Constrictive pericarditis, where inflammation of the pericardial sac results in fibrosis and thickening of the pericardium with adhesions (sticky scars) between the pericardium and the heart. The pericardium creates a rigid "case" around the heart, which can severely limit the ability of the heart to fill with blood. Patients with constrictive pericarditis may develop heart failure, which responds poorly to treatment. Constrictive pericarditis must be differentiated from a chronic heart condition called restrictive cardiomyopathy, which produces symptoms and signs similar to constrictive pericarditis.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you experience the symptoms of pericarditis. This disorder can be life-threatening if untreated.

Prevention

Many cases are not preventable.

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Reviewer Info: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 11/06/2006