What is PERICARDITIS (Infection of the heart sac)?
The pericardium is the sac that surrounds the heart. Inflammation or infection of the pericardium is called pericarditis. Why does this happen and how may it affect the patients health? There are many conditions and illnesses that may cause pericarditis, e.g. • It may be a result of injury (trauma) because of direct injury (stab wound in the chest), a heart operation, or radiation therapy • Conditions such as heart failure, an underactive thyroid, or sarcoidosis • Cancerous growths may directly infiltrate the pericardium • Diseases such as SLE and rheumatic fever • Diseases secondary to gout, chronic renal failure as a consequence of chronic dialysis treatment, or complications of a heart attack Tuberculosis is known for causing a constrictive pericarditis. The infection inhibits normal contraction of the heart. It almost smothers the heart due to outside pressure. What symptoms may the patient experience? The patient may present with fever (not always present), sweating and pain in th
The pericardium is a two-layered outer sac that encircles the heart. A thin film of fluid (about 50 ml) slightly separates the two layers and decreases friction between them. Constrictive Pericarditis is present when the pericardium turns fibrotic, thickened, and adherent restricting the filling of the heart. It is most commonly a sequel of an inflammatory condition of pericardium.
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