A few medical conditions fall into the category of pericardial diseases, such as acute pericarditis and pericardial effusion. While not extremely common, a great number of people will experience pericardial diseases during their lifetimes, and these diseases typically require timely medical treatment to prevent more serious health effects.
Types of Pericardial Diseases
Pericardial diseases can include the following conditions:
- Pericardial Effusion – Accumulation of excess fluid in the sac that surrounds the heart is known as pericardial effusion, which can result from infections, diseases, and certain medications.
- Cardiac Tamponade – Pericardial effusion can lead to cardiac tamponade, which restricts expansion of the heart and causes health issues like chest pain and trouble breathing.
- Acute Pericarditis – The sac surrounding the heart can also become inflamed, which is the case with acute pericarditis. The condition isn’t always dangerous, but symptoms like chest pain require immediate assessment.
- Constrictive Pericarditis – Should the pericardial sac become stiff and inflexible, constrictive pericarditis will result. This condition can inhibit how well the heart beats but can often be effectively treated.
How Pericardial Conditions Are Treated
Treatment of pericardial diseases varies according to the type of condition being experienced. With pericarditis, medications like antibiotics can treat underlying infections, while non-prescription pain killers may be recommended to manage discomfort. With pericardial effusion, NSAIDs and corticosteroids are often used to reduce swelling. If you’re at risk of cardiac tamponade, doctors can perform surgery to reduce fluid buildup.
