What is pericarditis?

Pericarditis is specifically defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the great vessels. This condition can lead to chest pain and other symptoms as the inflamed pericardium can rub against the heart, affecting its function.

Understanding this definition is crucial in differentiating pericarditis from other cardiovascular conditions. For example, an irregular heartbeat refers to arrhythmias, which are related to the electrical activity of the heart, while inflammation of the heart muscle indicates myocarditis, and a blockage in a coronary artery refers to coronary artery disease that can lead to heart attacks. Each of these conditions affects the heart in distinct ways, whereas pericarditis is centered on the pericardium's condition. Thus, recognizing the specific nature of pericarditis as inflammation of the pericardium is key for accurate diagnosis and treatment.