Why is pericarditis dangerous

Certain operations on the heart involve opening the pericardium to apply coronary artery bypass grafts, open or replace heart valves, or undertake other corrective procedures.

Long-term inflammation causes a gradual build-up of fluid within the two layers of the pericardium. In most cases, the reasons for this are unknown. Two of the known causes of chronic effusive pericarditis are tuberculosis and hypothyroidism underactive thyroid gland. Surgery may be considered if the pericardium is scarred and inflexible, or if pericarditis keeps recurring.

The damaged parts of the pericardium are removed, or the entire sac is cut away, depending on the severity. The heart can function perfectly well without it. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.

Anthrax is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial disease that occasionally infects humans. The Western obsession with cleanliness may be partly responsible for the increase in allergic asthma and conditions such as rhinitis.

Careful prescribing of antibiotics will minimise the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Aortic stenosis may be congenital present from before birth , but is often diagnosed during teenage years. Aspergillus is a fungus that commonly grows on rotting vegetation.

It can cause asthma symptoms. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.

All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Home Heart. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. Pericarditis is a viral infection in the pericardium , the sac surrounding your heart. Most often it doesn't cause serious complications.

Sometimes, fluid buildup or thickening of the sac can occur. Pericarditis is a condition in which the pericardium, or the sac that surrounds your heart, swells and becomes irritated.

A viral infection is the most common cause of pericarditis. It may happen after you have a viral illness, such as the flu or bronchitis. Most often, this infection doesn't cause serious complications , and symptoms resolve within a week or two. The main symptom of pericarditis is a sharp, stabbing chest pain. It may be in the center or left side of the chest and can spread to the shoulder. It doesn't get better when you rest as it does with chest pain from angina.

Lying down and deep breathing can make the pain worse. Pericarditis can also cause the same symptoms as other viral infections , such as:. In rare cases, pericarditis can have very serious consequences, possibly leading to abnormal heart rhythm and death.

Pericarditis is frequently mild and may clear up on its own with rest or simple treatment. Sometimes, more intense treatment is needed to prevent complications. Consultation with a health care professional can determine this. The cause of pericarditis is often unknown, though viral infections are a common reason. Pericarditis may occur after a respiratory or digestive system infection.

Chronic and recurring pericarditis may be caused by autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis.