ICD-10: I30Circulatory System DiseasesSevere Severity
Acute pericarditis
Acute pericarditis is a painful inflammation of the thin, sac-like membrane that surrounds your heart.
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Your heart is held inside a small, two-layered pouch called the pericardium. When this pouch becomes irritated or inflamed, we call it acute pericarditis. Because this area contains nerve endings, the swelling can cause sharp pain when you breathe or shift your body position.
This usually happens when your immune system reacts to an irritant, causing fluid or cells to build up in the space between the heart and the sac. While it can feel quite scary to have chest pain, most people recover fully with the right care and rest.
Common Symptoms
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain that often feels worse when you take a deep breath or lie flat.
- Pain that gets better if you sit up and lean forward.
- A dry, hacking cough.
- Mild fever or a general feeling of being unwell and tired.
- Feeling like your heart is racing or beating irregularly.