In the spotlight: pericarditis

The heart has a defensive shield called the pericardium, but it's not invincible – infections can cause problems for this protector.

Chest pain deserves prompt medical attention, but a heart attack is not always to blame. Another possible cause is pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac-like pericardium surrounding the heart. The pericardium protects and keeps the heart in place and helps it to function. In case of pericarditis, the pericardium can quickly take center stage, thanks to its most common symptom: chest pain.

Pericarditis can be felt as a heart attack. It is therefore important to quickly consult a doctor to determine the cause. According to the American College of Cardiology, discomfort can be dull or sharp, and it is often concentrated in the center or left side of the chest. Lengthening or taking a deep breath can be particularly painful. Pericarditis can also cause other symptoms, including mild fever, fatigue, cough, and muscle aches.

If a doctor suspects that you have pericarditis, he can listen to your heart for clues and ask for an imaging test, such as a chest x-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan. Determining the cause of pericarditis helps with direct treatment. Many cases are due to an infection, often viral. With rest and over-the-counter inflammatory medications, most cases of pericarditis go away in less than two weeks without causing serious problems. Some people may need prescription drugs or, in severe cases, a procedure to drain the fluid from the pericardium.

A stroke of protection for the heart

Protecting your heart is one of the best reasons to get an annual flu shot – your best protection against the flu.

In addition to making you unhappy with fatigue, muscle aches, coughing and sore throat, the flu, as well as other infectious diseases, can cause acute inflammation of the blood vessels and a decrease in oxygen levels and of blood pressure, which makes it more likely a heart attack. , according to a 2018 study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

People with chronic diseases, including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and blood, liver and kidney disorders, are more vulnerable to complications related to the flu, such as pneumonia, according to the Control Center. Disease Prevention (CDC).

treats

n It can be easy to confuse pericarditis pain with a type of chest pain called angina pectoris, but unlike angina pectoris, the pain of pericarditis can last for hours or days and not improve at rest, indicates the American College of Cardiology.

Many people are able to relieve the pain badociated with pericarditis by straightening up and leaning forward.

n According to the CDC, children and adolescents who take drugs containing aspirin or salicylates have a higher risk of complications related to the flu.

Concerned about your heart health? Quality cardiovascular care is just around the corner at Northwest Health Cardiology in Siloam Springs. To make an appointment, call 479-215-3060.

About the Siloam Springs Regional Hospital

The Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73-bed facility with 42 private rooms. He is accredited by the Department of Health Services and the Arkansas State Joint Commission. Some services include hospital and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, units of medicine, surgery and intensive care, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 50 physicians among the medical staff, the Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compbadionate and client-centered care. SSRH is a subsidiary of Northwest Health, one of Northwestern Arkansas' largest health networks, and is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a small group of independent health systems working closely with Mayo Clinic to improve health care and better serve their patients and their communities. The Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs, Ark. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.

Community on the 23/01/2019