Pericardial disease is an accumulation in the fluid around the heart in the chest area. This extra fluid in the chest area puts pressure on the heart which causes it not to pump efficiently.

The signs or symptoms result from the fact that some irritated layers of the pericardium rub against each other.

If your pericardial disease is only mild, it may not need any specific treatment. If your pericardial disease is severe, you might get different kinds of help, like medicines and surgical procedures.

Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce the risk of long-term complications from the pericardial disease.

Signs and symptoms of mild and severe pericardial disease

If you have pericardial disease, you may not experience any symptoms. You might have symptoms from whatever is causing the pericardial disease instead. For example, you might have a fever if you have an infection of the pericard.

Chest pain is the most common sign of pericarditis. It usually feels sharp or stabbing. However, some patients have achy, dull, or pressure-like chest pain.

The pain usually occurs in the left side of your chest.

It may also occur in your left shoulder and neck.

When you cough, lie down or take a deep breath, the symptoms of a headache usually get worse.

If you sit up and lean forward, the pain in your lower back will be less.

Other signs and symptoms of the pericardial disease may include:

Abdominal or leg inflammation

Cough

Fatigue

Weakness or sickness

Low-grade fever

Heart palpitations

Shortness of breath while lying down

If the pericardial disease is more severe, you will probably experience symptoms like:

Chest pain or discomfort

Fainting

Enlargement of the veins of the neck

Nausea

Fast breathing

Increased heart rate

Pain in the abdomen

Shortness of breath

Swelling in the arms and legs

If the disease is very severe, it can also lead to symptoms of shock. These symptoms include:

Lightheadedness

Dizziness

Weakness

Cool arms and legs

Nausea

Vomiting

Clammy skin

Rapid breathing

Pale skin

Less urine output

Some of these symptoms are caused by health issues other than heart disease, but this is usually the case only with milder symptoms. Your heart specialist will make a firm diagnosis.

Consult Dr. Anurag Sharma for the best cardiac treatment

Dr. Anurag Sharma, M.D., is a Cardiologist in India   with years of experience in the field of cardiology. He provides his patients with the most effective treatments for resolving any sort of heart problem.

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