Pericarditis
Overview
Symptoms of pericarditis include a sharp pain in your chest that gets worse when you breathe in deeply, swallow, cough or lie down.
Tests to check for pericarditis include a doctor listening to your heart, blood tests or scans such as an X-ray or electrocardiogram (ECG).
Pericarditis is usually treated with anti-inflammatory painkillers. Depending on the cause, you may need other medicines like steroids or antibiotics.
Pericarditis is inflammation of the lining around your heart. It's not usually serious, but it can sometimes cause serious health problems.
Page last reviewed: 17/07/2023
Next review due: 17/07/2026