Pericarditis Symptoms and What You Need to Know

Typically, symptoms appear one to two weeks following a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. The most common signs include chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest. The pain often worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or lying down, and may improve when sitting up or leaning forward.

Recognizing Key Symptoms of Pericarditis

One of the hallmark signs of pericarditis is the presence of a pericardial friction rub—a distinctive sound that can be heard over the chest wall or at the base of the heart during a physical examination. This is often accompanied by sinus tachycardia, an abnormally fast heart rate.

Severe Complications and Warning Signs

In more severe cases, pericarditis can lead to cardiac tamponade—a dangerous buildup of fluid around the heart that restricts its ability to pump effectively. Symptoms of this life-threatening condition may include orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying flat), cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the lips or skin), severe dyspnea (shortness of breath), and signs of hypoxia (low oxygen levels).

Physicians may also detect bilateral lung crackles due to pulmonary congestion, and in advanced stages, patients may experience peripheral edema—particularly in the lower extremities—or exhibit signs of global heart failure. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, prompt medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.