Symptoms

Chest pain is the most common symptom of pericarditis. It usually feels sharp or stabbing. However, some people have dull, achy or pressure-like chest pain.

• The pain usually occurs behind the breastbone or in the left side of your chest.
• It may spread to your left shoulder and neck.
• It often gets worse when you cough, lie down or take a deep breath.
• Sitting up and leaning forward makes you feel better.

Other signs and symptoms of pericarditis may include:

• Abdominal or leg swelling
• Cough
• Fatigue or general feeling of weakness or being sick
• Low-grade fever
• Pounding or racing heartbeat (heart palpitations)
• Shortness of breath when lying down

The specific symptoms you have depend on the type of pericarditis you have. Pericarditis is grouped into different categories, according to the pattern of symptoms and how long symptoms last.

• Acute pericarditis begins suddenly but doesn't last longer than three weeks. Future episodes can occur. It may be difficult to tell the difference between acute pericarditis and pain due to a heart attack.
• Recurrent pericarditis occurs about four to six weeks after an episode of acute pericarditis with no symptoms in between.
• Incessant pericarditis lasts about four to six weeks but less than three months. The symptoms are continuous.
• Chronic constrictive pericarditis usually develops slowly and lasts longer than three months.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical care if you develop new symptoms of chest pain.

Many of the symptoms of pericarditis are similar to those of other heart and lung conditions. The sooner you are evaluated, the sooner you can receive proper diagnosis and treatment. For example, although the cause of acute chest pain may be pericarditis, the original cause could have been a heart attack or a blood clot of the lungs (pulmonary embolus).