Pericarditis

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The pericardium is the thin, twoâ€“layered sac-like tissue that lubricates and surrounds the heart. It helps to keep the heart securely in place whilst protecting it from sudden movement, and acting as a barrier to infection or from tumours that may develop in neighbouring tissue. Pericarditis is the medical term used to describe inflammation of the pericardium. The condition can affect anyone, but is most common in men aged 20â€“50 years old.

Between the inner and outer layers of the pericardium there is a small amount of fluid that lubricates the heartâ€™s movement. If you have pericarditis, the amount of fluid increases and causes your heart to compress. This can prevent your heart from functioning normally and cause quite severe chest pains.

The condition most commonly occurs as a complication of a viral infection (such as coxsackie or mumps) and usually clears up in a few weeks â€“ often the only treatment needed is painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs). There are, however, some less common and more serious causes of pericarditis, such as heart attack, that might need further treatment.

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