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Pericarditis

Overview

Open all pages about Pericarditis

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 usually caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or flu.

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