Heart Disease Health Center
Pericarditis - Symptoms
Symptoms of pericarditis include:
- Chest pain. A sharp or dull constant pain often develops. The pain may be located in the center of the chest and sometimes extends over the left shoulder. Deep breathing, lying down, or swallowing may make the pain worse. Sitting up and leaning forward may improve it.
- Mild fever.
- A general feeling of weakness, fatigue, or lightheadedness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Coughing.
- Hiccups.
- Muscle aches.
The type of chest pain that occurs with pericarditis differs from angina, which usually becomes worse with exertion but does not change with deep breathing. You should tell your doctor anytime you have chest pain. In the early stages of pericarditis, it may be hard to tell whether the pain is from the inflammation or from a possible heart attack.
Clogged Arteries (Arterial Plaque)
Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood rich in oxygen throughout your body. They go to your brain as well as to the tips of your toes. Healthy arteries have smooth inner walls and blood flows through them easily. Some people, however, develop clogged arteries. Clogged arteries result from a build-up of a substance called plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. Arterial plaque can reduce blood flow or, in some instances, block it altogether. Clogged arteries greatly increase the likelihood...
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If you develop complications of pericarditis, you are at risk for sudden heart failure. Symptoms of sudden heart failure include sudden severe shortness of breath, a sudden irregular or rapid heartbeat, and a cough that brings up foamy pink mucus. Sudden heart failure is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. If you experience any symptoms of sudden heart failure, call911or quickly get other emergency medical help.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
