Chronic pericarditis is an inflammation of the double membrane that surrounds the heart called the pericardium. It is caused by the accumulation of liquids or an increase in the thickness of tissues, which can alter the functioning of the heart.
Pericarditis progresses slowly and gradually, and may persist for a long time without symptoms being noticed. Chronic pericarditis can be classified into:
- Constrictive: it is less frequent and appears when a scar-like tissue is developed around the heart, which can cause thickening and calcification of the pericardium; With stroke: the accumulation of fluid in the pericardium happens very slowly. If the heart is functioning normally, the doctor usually accompanies, without major interventions; Effusive: usually caused by advanced kidney disease, malignant tumors and chest trauma.
The treatment of chronic pericarditis varies according to the cause, and treatment is usually done with the aim of relieving symptoms.
Main symptoms
Chronic pericarditis is, in most cases, asymptomatic, however there may be the appearance of some symptoms such as chest pain, fever, difficulty breathing, cough, tiredness, weakness and pain when breathing. See also other causes of chest pain.
Possible causes of chronic pericarditis
Chronic pericarditis can be caused by several situations, the most common of which are:
- Infections caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi; After radiation therapy for breast cancer or lymphoma; Heart attack; Hypothyroidism; Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus; Renal failure; Trauma to the chest; Heart surgery.
In less developed countries, tuberculosis is still the most frequent cause of pericarditis in any of its types, but it is uncommon in the richest countries.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of chronic pericarditis is made by the cardiologist through physical examination and images, such as chest X-ray, magnetic resonance and computed tomography. In addition, the doctor can perform the electrocardiogram to assess the functioning of the heart. Understand how the electrocardiogram is made.
The cardiologist must also consider at the time of diagnosis the presence of any other condition that interferes with the performance of the heart.
How to treat
Treatment for chronic pericarditis is done according to the symptoms, complications and whether the cause is known or not. 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 with the use of diuretic drugs, which help eliminate excess fluids from the body. It is important to emphasize that the use of diuretic drugs is done with the objective of relieving symptoms, with the definitive treatment being the surgical removal of the pericardium with the objective of achieving a complete cure. Find out how pericarditis is treated.
