Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

What is Pericarditis?

Symptoms of Pericarditis

Pericarditis would feel like a heart attack. It causes a stabbing or sharp pain in the chest that often occurs unexpectedly. The sensation can be on the left side or in the middle of the chest, right behind your breastbone. In some cases, it would spread to the jaw, arms, neck, or shoulders. Other symptoms include a low fever, dry cough, palpitations, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weakness, and swelling in ankles, legs, or feet. These problems can become worse when you swallow, cough, breathe deeply, or lie flat. To make you feel better, you can lean forward or sit up. In general, symptoms can vary a lot, depending on the underlying cause. [3]