Two types of pericarditis can occur after a heart attack. The first type of pericarditis most often occurs within 2 to 5 days after a heart attack. When the body tries to clean up the diseased heart tissue, swelling and inflammation occur. The second type of pericarditis is also called Dressler's syndrome (or post-cardiac injury syndrome or postcardiotomy pericarditis). It occurs several weeks or months after a heart attack, heart surgery, or other trauma to the heart. Dressler's syndrome is believed to be caused by the immune system attacking the area. Pain occurs when the pericardium becomes inflamed (swollen) and rubs on the heart.
What causes Dressler's syndrome?
Two types of pericarditis can occur after a heart attack. The first type of pericarditis most often occurs within 2 to 5 days after a heart attack. When the body tries to clean up the diseased heart tissue, swelling and inflammation occur. The second type of pericarditis is also called {{ORGANIZATION}}'s syndrome (or post-cardiac injury syndrome or postcardiotomy pericarditis). It occurs several weeks or months after a heart attack, heart surgery, or other trauma to the heart. {{ORGANIZATION}}'s syndrome is believed to be caused by the immune system attacking the area. Pain occurs when the pericardium becomes inflamed (swollen) and rubs on the heart.