Pericarditis - after heart attack

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Acute MI

Pericarditis - after heart attack

Alternative Names:

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

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The goal is to improve the function of the heart and reduce symptoms.

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

The removal of excess fluid from the pericardial sac (pericardiocentesis) may be recommended in some cases. Cutting or surgical removal of part of the pericardium (surgical pericardiectomy) is only implemented if complications develop.

Expectations (prognosis):

This disorder may cause severe symptoms or even be life-threatening if untreated. Recurrences are common even with adequate treatment.

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.