Chest pain is the most common symptom of pericarditis. It usually feels sharp or stabbing. However, some people have dull, achy or pressure-like chest pain. Pericarditis pain usually occurs behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest. The pain may: 
Spread to the left shoulder and neck
Get worse when coughing, lying down or taking a deep breath
Get better when sitting up or leaning forward
 Other signs and symptoms of pericarditis may include: 
Cough
Fatigue or general feeling of weakness or being sick
Leg swelling
Low-grade fever
Pounding or racing heartbeat (heart palpitations)
Shortness of breath when lying down
Swelling of the belly (abdomen)
 The specific symptoms depend on the type of pericarditis. Pericarditis is grouped into different categories, according to the pattern of symptoms and how long symptoms last. 
Acute pericarditis begins suddenly but doesn't last longer than three weeks. Future episodes can occur. It may be difficult to tell the difference between acute pericarditis and pain due to a heart attack.
Recurrent pericarditis occurs about four to six weeks after an episode of acute pericarditis with no symptoms in between.
Incessant pericarditis lasts about four to six weeks but less than three months. The symptoms are continuous.
Chronic constrictive pericarditis usually develops slowly and lasts longer than three months.
