Pericardial Disease affects the pericardium, which is the flexible two-layered sac that envelops the heart. Pericardium helps in keeping the heart in position and prevents the heart from overfilling with blood and protects it from being damaged by chest infections. Often, the pericardium is missing at the time of birth or has defects, such as holes and these defects can be dangerous. In such as case, death may occur and as a result, these defects are surgically repaired. Some of the common signs and symptoms of Pericardial Disease include sharp chest pain often radiating to the neck, shoulders or back.
HOW IS PERICARDIAL DISEASE DIAGNOSED?
A Cardiologist/General Physician diagnoses Pericardial Disease by conducting a physical examination, ECG, and Echocardiogram.
HOW IS PERICARDIAL DISEASE TREATED?
Treatment of Pericardial Disease is based on the symptom and underlying cause. Common treatment methods are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid medications, anti-biotic and colchicines for repetitive symptoms. In severe cases removal of the stiff pericardium may be required
DID YOU KNOW?
The pericardium helps keep the heart in position, prevent the heart from overfilling with blood, and protect the heart from being damaged by chest infections. However, the pericardium is not essential to life. If the pericardium is removed, there is little measurable effect on the heart's performance.