Pericarditis

See a GP or go to your local walk-in centre if your chest pain:

• is sharp or stabbing
• gets worse when you take a deep breath in or lie down

Pericarditis can sometimes feel like a dull ache or it can come on gradually.

You may also feel hot and sweaty, short of breath, sick, lightheaded or just unwell.

It often occurs after a viral infection, such as a sore throat or cold.

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Treating pericarditis

You'll usually be prescribed anti-inflammatory painkillers, and you should feel better within 1 to 2 weeks.

Sitting up or leaning forward can also help ease the pain.

Causes of pericarditis

Your heart has a protective fluid-filled sac around it called the pericardium.

In pericarditis, the pericardium gets inflamed, and blood or fluid can leak into it.

It's difficult to confirm the exact cause of pericarditis, but it's usually a viral infection.