Types of Heart Disease in Children

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Last Updated on January 7, 2021

6. Pericarditis:

© Duke Health

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium that is to say of the sac surrounding the heart (figure). Acute inflammation, which is painful, may be accompanied by fluid production (pericardial effusion), which accumulates around the heart and can compromise the function of the heart. In the case of chronic inflammation, the pericardium can thicken and thus ‘core’ the heart. This thick ‘sheath’ can also prevent the heart from working properly.

Among the symptoms of acute pericarditis, pain is the most characteristic. It is a retrosternal pain, often accentuated by deep inspiration and lying down. It is attenuated in a sitting position. In the case of viral pericarditis, other signs like fever, a cold, a cough may be present. When the pericarditis is accompanied by a large accumulation of fluid around the heart, it can prevent the heart from working properly and signs of acute, severe and menacing heart failure may occur