Pericarditis
The pericardium is a membrane, or sac, that surrounds your heart. It holds the heart in place and helps it work properly. Problems with the pericardium include:
- Pericarditis - an inflammation of the sac. It can be from a virus or other infection, a heart attack, heart surgery, other medical conditions, injuries, and certain medicines.
- Pericardial effusion - the buildup of fluid in the sac
- Cardiac tamponade - a serious problem in which buildup of fluid in the sac causes problems with the function of the heart
Symptoms of pericardial problems include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. Fever is a common symptom of acute pericarditis. Your doctor may use a physical exam, imaging tests, and heart tests to make a diagnosis. Treatment depends on the cause.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Pericarditis
PERICARDITIS
General treatment for Inflammation, q. v.; aconite; calomel and opium of special importance; for heart failure caffeine and alcohol are safer than digitalis, whose effects must be carefully watched. If ef fusion occurs, use hydragogues or aspirate.1
General treatment for Inflammation, q. v.; aconite; calomel and opium of special importance; for heart failure caffeine and alcohol are safer than digitalis, whose effects must be carefully watched. If ef fusion occurs, use hydragogues or aspirate.1
References
1) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.