PERICARDIUM
The pericardium is the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart and the roots of the great blood vessels.
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium. The pericardium has an inner and outer coating with a little amount of lubricating liquid between them. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, the amount of fluid between the two layers increases. This clutches the heart and confines its action.
This problem occurs most often in men ages 20 to 50. Chest pain is common, especially pain behind the breastbone. Sometimes this pain extends to the neck and left shoulder. Pain from Pericarditis is different from angina. Angina is chest pain or uneasiness due to reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. Angina feels like pressure, but Pericarditis usually is a sharp, piercing pain over the center or left side of the chest. Often this pain gets inferior if the person takes a deep breath. Less often the pain is dull. A fever is also common. Often people with Pericarditis report feeling sick. Some have pain when they swallow.
The pericardium is the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart and the roots of the great blood vessels.
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium. The pericardium has an inner and outer coating with a little amount of lubricating liquid between them. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, the amount of fluid between the two layers increases. This clutches the heart and confines its action.
This problem occurs most often in men ages 20 to 50. Chest pain is common, especially pain behind the breastbone. Sometimes this pain extends to the neck and left shoulder. Pain from Pericarditis is different from angina. Angina is chest pain or uneasiness due to reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. Angina feels like pressure, but Pericarditis usually is a sharp, piercing pain over the center or left side of the chest. Often this pain gets inferior if the person takes a deep breath. Less often the pain is dull. A fever is also common. Often people with Pericarditis report feeling sick. Some have pain when they swallow.
