Chronic pericarditis is an inflammation of the double membrane that envelops the heart called the pericardium and is caused by fluid buildup or increased tissue thickness, which can affect heart function.
Pericarditis progresses slowly and gradually and can persist for a long time without any symptoms.Chronic pericarditis can be classified into:
Treatment for chronic pericarditis varies by cause and is usually done to relieve symptoms.
Chronic pericarditis is, in most cases, asymptomatic, but symptoms such as chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, weakness and breathing pain may occur, see also other causes of chest pain.
Chronic pericarditis can be caused by several situations, the most common being:
In less developed countries, tuberculosis remains the most common cause of pericarditis in all types, but it is rare in wealthier countries.
Diagnosis of chronic pericarditis is made by the cardiologist through a physical exam and imaging, such as chest x-rays, MRI and CT scans; In addition, your doctor may perform the electrocardiogram to evaluate the functioning of your heart.electrocardiogram is performed.
The cardiologist should also consider the presence of any other conditions that interfere with the functioning of the heart at the time of diagnosis.
Treatment of chronic pericarditis is based on symptoms, complications and whether or not the cause is known, when the cause of the disease is known the treatment established by the cardiologist is directed, preventing the progression of the disease and possible complications.
In most cases of chronic pericarditis, the treatment indicated by the cardiologist is the use of diuretic drugs, which help remove excess fluid from the body.It is important to note that the use of diuretic drugs is carried out with the aim of alleviating symptoms, with the final treatment being surgical removal of the pericardium in order to achieve a complete recovery.Find out how pericarditis is treated.