Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac that surrounds and holds the heart in place.
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Symptoms of Pericarditis
Chest pain is the most common symptom of pericarditis.
Cardiac tamponade is considered a medical emergency and, if left untreated, can quickly become fatal.
The scarred tissue contracts over time, preventing the heart from fully stretching and filling with blood.
Research and Statistics: Who Has Pericarditis?
In most cases, pericarditis goes away on its own or with treatment with NSAIDs.
Additional reporting byKaitlin Sullivan.
Resources We Trust
Joseph Bennington-Castro is a science writer based in Hawaii.
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