Pericardial Disease

Pericardial Disease services offered in Homestead, FL

Pericardial disease is present in 5% of people admitted to emergency rooms with noncardiac chest pain and is diagnosed in 0.1% of hospitalized patients. At Cardiovascular Wellness Center in Homestead, Florida, the skilled cardiology team diagnoses and treats pericardial disease to reduce your risk of potentially severe complications. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What is pericardial disease?

Pericardial diseases affect the pericardium, a flexible, two-layered sac surrounding your heart. It’s characterized by an inflammation of this sac. Several forms of pericardial disease exist. Early diagnosis and treating the underlying cause can help you avoid complications, such as fluid buildup compressing your heart and stiffening of the pericardium.

What are examples of pericardial diseases?

Examples of pericardial diseases include:

Pericarditis: inflammation of the pericardium
Pericardial effusion: tissue damage that causes a buildup of fluid near the heart
Pericardial tamponade: blood or fluid buildup on your heart’s membrane that places pressure on the heart (preventing it from fully expanding)
Constrictive pericarditis: fluid in the pericardium becomes stiff or thick, interfering with normal heart functioning
Myopericarditis: inflammation of the pericardium and heart muscle
Perimyocarditis: abnormalities causing reduced ventricular function of the heart
Myocarditis: inflamed heart muscle, which can damage the heart’s electrical system

Early detection of pericardial disease is the best way to avoid potentially serious complications.

Which symptoms can pericardial disease cause?

Symptoms that may appear in individuals with pericardial disease include:

Chest pain
Radiating pain into the shoulders, neck, or back
Worsening pain with positional changes
High-pitched friction sounds when taking breaths
Chest pressure
Shortness of breath
Swallowing difficulties
Nausea
Abdominal fullness or discomfort
Weakness
Agitation
Fatigue
Low urine output
Edema

Any discomfort you experience might improve when leaning forward or sitting upright.

What may increase the risk of pericardial disease?

The risk of pericardial disease is higher after complications stemming viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections. Other risk factors include autoimmune diseases, chest injuries, kidney failure, tumors, and genetic diseases.

Some medications, such as a heart attack, open heart surgery, radiation therapy, cardiac catheterization, and radiofrequency ablation, can also increase your chance of developing a pericardial disease.

How are pericardial diseases diagnosed?

The Cardiovascular Wellness Center experts complete a physical exam, discuss your symptoms and medical history, and order diagnostic testing to determine if you have a pericardial disease. They may order lab testing, chest X-rays, a CT scan, an echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram (EKG), an MRI, left and right cardiac catheterization, or other types of imaging procedures.

How are pericardial diseases treated?

The pericardial disease treatment plan that’s best suited for you depends on the specific disease you’re diagnosed with. The Cardiovascular Wellness Center team may suggest one or more of the following solutions:

Lifestyle changes
Medications
Pericardiocentesis (removing excess fluid)
Surgery

Your cardiologist follows up to ensure a successful outcome and is always available to address concerns or questions you may have throughout treatment.

Schedule an evaluation at Cardiovascular Wellness Center by phone or request one online today if you’re at risk of or develop symptoms of pericardial disease.