Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Pericarditis - after heart attack

Alternative Names:

Dressler's syndrome; Post-MI pericarditis; Post-cardiac injury syndrome; Postcardiotomy pericarditis

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to make the heart work better and reduce pain and other symptoms.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) and aspirin may be used to treat inflammation of the pericardium. In extreme cases, when other medicines have failed, steroids or colchicine may be used.

In some cases, excess fluid surrounding the heart may need to be removed. This is done with a procedure called pericardiocentesis . If complications develop, part of the pericardium may need to be removed with surgery (pericardiectomy).

Expectations (prognosis):

The condition may come back even in those who receive treatment. However, untreated pericarditis can be life threatening.

Complications:

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of pericarditis occur following a heart attack.

Call your health care provider if pericarditis has been diagnosed and symptoms persist or recur despite treatment.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com