Pericarditis care at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart
Your chest pain could be pericarditis
Specialized pericarditis diagnosis and treatment at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac that surrounds your heart. It often causes sharp chest pain and symptoms that can mimic a heart attack or other heart conditions. Sometimes, symptoms may be less typical. If left untreated, pericarditis can lead to serious complications. At Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, we provide thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment for pericarditis right here in Nashville, Tennessee.
If you're experiencing symptoms, it’s important to know whether it could be pericarditis. Symptoms of pericarditis may include:
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain (worse when lying down, better when sitting up)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or general weakness
- Fever and chills
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
If you are experiencing chest pain, especially in combination with jaw or arm pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or difficulty breathing, you might be having a heart attack. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
How we diagnose pericarditis
Our cardiology team uses the latest imaging and testing tools to diagnose pericarditis and rule out other heart conditions.
Common diagnostic tools include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – detects heart rhythm abnormalities
- Echocardiogram – identifies fluid around the heart
- Cardiac MRI – provides detailed heart images
- Blood tests – reveal signs of infection or inflammation
Pericarditis treatment options
Your care plan will be tailored to the underlying cause and severity of your condition. We offer:
- Medications including anti-inflammatory drugs and immunologic therapies.
- Lifestyle recommendations such as rest, hydration, and activity guidance.
- Advanced procedures for draining excess fluid or, in rare cases, surgery.
- Clinical trials may offer new therapies for eligible patients.
Why choose Ascension Saint Thomas Heart?
We are one of only 15 sites nationwide and the only hospital in Tennessee participating in the American Heart Association’s Addressing Recurrent Pericarditis initiative. Through this initiative, we’re working to improve care for the 40,000 people in the U.S. living with recurrent pericarditis by. Our goal is to empower patients with education and tools, providing providers with the latest evidence-based treatment guidance, and enhance diagnosis, care, and quality of life.
Talk with a heart specialist
Schedule a consultation with a heart specialist at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart. Early detection and treatment of pericarditis can help prevent serious complications and help you feel better, faster.