Chest pain is almost always present, which is caused by the inflamed pericardium rubbing against the heart. The pain:
May be felt in the neck, shoulder, back, or abdomen. Often increases with deep breathing and lying flat, and may increase with coughing and swallowing. Patients may often feel better sitting up and leaning forward. Can be a sharp, stabbing pleuritic type pain (pleuritis).
Fever, chills, or sweating if the condition is caused by an infection. Ankle, feet, and leg swelling (occasionally if there is a constriction of the heart filling in a condition known as constrictive pericarditis). Anxiety Breathing difficulty when lying down (orthopnea) Dry cough Fatigue
What are the symptoms of Pericarditis?
Chest pain is almost always present, which is caused by the inflamed pericardium rubbing against the heart. The pain:
May be felt in the neck, shoulder, back, or abdomen. Often increases with deep breathing and lying flat, and may increase with coughing and swallowing. Patients may often feel better sitting up and leaning forward. Can be a sharp, stabbing pleuritic type pain (pleuritis).
Fever, chills, or sweating if the condition is caused by an infection. Ankle, feet, and leg swelling (occasionally if there is a constriction of the heart filling in a condition known as constrictive pericarditis). Anxiety Breathing difficulty when lying down (orthopnea) Dry cough Fatigue