Common causes of constrictive pericarditis

Constrictive pericarditis is a rare but serious disease that affects the heart’s function. The heart is surrounded by a thin sac (called the pericardium) filled with fluid. When constrictive pericarditis occurs, the sac becomes inflamed due to an unknown cause. This inflammation causes fibrous tissue to form around the sac. The result is that the sac becomes smaller and harder, like a car tire with the air let out.

Causes of Constrictive pericarditis

Constrictive pericarditis can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and swelling in the arms or legs. If it progresses unchecked, constrictive pericarditis can cause fluid to accumulate within the lungs or liver or both. Treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms. Usually medication will be prescribed to relieve symptoms and slow down further progression of constrictive pericarditis. Surgery may be necessary if symptoms are severe or won’t respond to medical treatment.

The most common symptoms of constrictive pericarditis are chest pain and shortness of breath. Chest pain is often described as pressure or squeezing, but it may also feel like something is sitting on the chest. The pain can last for days or weeks at a time. Shortness of breath can range from mild to severe.

Most people with constrictive pericarditis also have an enlarged heart (cardiac tamponade). This causes poor blood flow to the body. The skin becomes pale because the heart isn’t able to pump enough blood through the body. It may also cause swelling in the legs or abdomen.

Constrictive pericarditis can also cause fluid to build up in the lungs (pleural effusion). The fluid makes it hard to breathe and causes shortness of breath even when lying down.

Other symptoms include swelling of the legs, high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, abnormal heart rhythms, and kidney problems.

Treatment for constrictive pericarditis

when caused by calcification or scarring (usually due to rheumatoid arthritis), the goal is to remove enough of these deposits to restore normal heart function. In case due to renal failure, dialysis usually works well enough to delay further surgery until a kidney transplant becomes possible.

In case due to some other cause, there is unfortunately no specific treatment known today. Instead

Dr. Anurag Sharma: Best Cardiologist in India

Dr. Anurag Sharma is a well-known Cardiologist in india. His experience with complex cases is extensive.