Did you know that 5% of all emergency room visits related to chest pain occur due to acute pericarditis? It occurs when pericarditis swells or irritates the heart. It often causes sudden, sharp chest pain along with other symptoms. While it’s usually mild, the symptoms go away on their own. Chest pain is also a common symptom of heart attack, which requires medical attention. In this article, you will learn when to seek medical attention for pericarditis. Get a consultation with the best cardiologists in Brooklyn.
Acute pericarditis symptoms
Typically, acute pericarditis causes sudden chest pain as its main symptom. It causes sharp or stabbing pain extending from the left shoulder to the left arm. It may feel similar to a heart attack, except it gets worse when you lie down, swallow food, cough, and even when deep breathing. It may feel better when you sit or lean forward.
Other symptoms of acute pericarditis, include:
- Fatigue or general feeling of being unwell.
- Hiccups or trouble swallowing.
- Low-grade fever.
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty breathing, especially when you lie down.
- Swelling of the stomach or abdomen.
When to seek medical help?
You should seek medical help if you have a history of pericarditis, and notice any returning symptoms or symptoms change or get worse during recovery. These symptoms require medical attention. The main symptoms you should look out for are:
- Chest pain. (main symptom)
- Fever
- Dyspnea (trouble breathing)
Chest pain might be a sign of a heart attack, that’s why you should call 911 or the local emergency number immediately.
Prevention
There’s no direct way to prevent acute pericarditis because it happens unpredictably. The only thing you can do is to prevent infections or situations that cause it. It includes:
- Maintain distance from people who have a viral infection or flu-like symptoms: If you discover that you have viral infection symptoms or someone else has a viral infection, try to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough or maintain distance from them.
- Get bacterial infections treated: Untreated bacterial infections cause severe damage to your body, especially to the heart and nearby organs. So, if you have bacterial infection symptoms, see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Maintain good hygiene: Make sure to wash your hands with water and soap to remove germs and prevent them from spreading. You should wash your hands properly and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds to remove germs. If there’s no water or soap, use alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Get recommended vaccines: You should stay up to date with recommended vaccines, especially, the ones that protect against COVID-19, rubella, and influenza. These viral infections can cause heart muscle inflammation called myocarditis. Myocarditis and pericarditis can occur together due to a viral infection. That’s why you should talk with your healthcare provider to know what vaccines you should take.
- Avoid injuries: You should use proper safety equipment, like wearing your seatbelt while traveling in a car is the best way to avoid chest injuries that lead to acute pericarditis. It includes being cautious when working with machinery or tools that can cause serious damage to your chest.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance: You should see your healthcare provider and follow the recommended medications or treatments as prescribed to avoid having another occurrence of pericarditis or developing its chronic form. This is necessary if you have a health condition that increases your risk of another acute pericarditis.
Living with
Pericarditis gets better in some days, but living with chest pain can be difficult. However, certain things can help you ease your pain and make you feel better, including:
- Take painkillers or anti-inflammatory pain medicines (this is prescribed by your doctor).
- Sitting up.
- Leaning forward.
You should talk with your doctor about how to manage your pain and what you should do if you don’t feel better. In case your pain suddenly gets worse and lasts more than 15 minutes, or you have any new symptoms that indicate a heart attack, seek emergency medical help.
Most people get better from acute pericarditis within a few days, but in some instances, it can take several months. Dealing with ongoing pericarditis can be difficult, but with proper support, you can live a normal life with the right support.
During ongoing pericarditis, you may find it difficult to sleep at night due to pain and anxiety. Here are some tips to help you fall asleep and get back to sleep if you wake up in the middle of the night:
- Find a position that makes you feel comfortable lying down. For some people sleeping upright or sitting is more comfortable.
- Take some pain relief medicine before going to bed. Talk with your doctor to find the best ways to manage your pain.
- If anxious thoughts make it difficult for you to sleep, talk with your doctor to get tips on how to manage anxiety.
Depending on how serious your pericarditis symptoms are and the kind of work you do, you may need to take some time off work. Because going to work, when you are not able to work, doesn’t help anyone. That’s why you should talk with the doctor and consult whether you should take leave, or you can handle your work and the stress it causes.
If you’re a physically active person, you should avoid exercise for a while and give your body time to recover. However, you can talk with your doctor about when and how you should begin to exercise. They guide you on what exercise you can do (or which ones you cannot). Usually, avoiding high-intensity exercises for at least 3 months is recommended, however, you can do other activities you like instead.
Acute pericarditis often causes sudden long-lasting pain, which is not severe on its own, but its symptoms resemble a heart attack, which makes it a medical emergency. It also has a connection with other conditions like cardiac tamponade, which is a medical emergency. That’s why it’s crucial when you notice acute pericarditis symptoms you see your doctor. Most pericarditis is treatable, but in some people, it may occur more than once. That’s why you should manage the risk factors that can lead to acute pericarditis by following the above-mentioned prevention tips.
If you need help with acute pericarditis, visit our cardiology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!
The Cardiologists at Doral Health & Wellness consistently have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings. The professionals at Heart Specialist Brooklyn are able to greatly improve their patient’s health and quality of life because of their vast training and experience. New Yorkers can get the greatest medical, surgical, and cardiovascular care at Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. You can reach us at +1(347) 384-5690 to schedule a consultation.