What it is
Most people get better within 1 to 3 weeks with rest and anti-inflammatory medicines. Some people have it come back.
Rarely, fluid builds up around the heart and needs to be drained, or the sac becomes stiff over time.
Common signs
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain
- Pain worse when lying down or breathing in
- Pain easing when sitting forward
- High temperature
- Feeling weak or breathless
How it is usually diagnosed
- Listening to the heart
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests and a chest X-ray
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- ECG results
- Echocardiogram reports
- Blood test results
- Cardiology letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- What caused it?
- How long should I rest from exercise?
- What signs mean it is coming back?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Chest pain that could be a heart attack, or severe breathlessness or fainting: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.