At the CK Birla Hospitals, Kolkata, we provide personalised pericarditis treatment based on the cause, severity, and symptoms of the condition. Our cardiology team uses appropriate cardiac tests to assess inflammation and check for complications such as fluid around the heart. Treatment may include medicines, rest, close monitoring, or procedures when required. Our focus is on relieving symptoms, treating the underlying cause, and helping patients recover safely.
The pericardium is a thin, two-layered sac around the heart. It protects the heart and helps keep it in the right position inside the chest. When this sac becomes inflamed, the condition is called pericarditis. It can develop suddenly or continue for a longer period.
Pericarditis may be:
Most cases of acute pericarditis respond well to treatment. However, some patients may need closer monitoring or advanced treatment, particularly when there is significant fluid around the heart or an underlying condition causing the inflammation.
Pericarditis can have several causes. In some people, the exact cause remains unknown.
Pericarditis can sometimes cause fluid to collect around the heart. This is known as pericardial effusion. If a large amount of fluid builds up quickly, it can put pressure on the heart and cause cardiac tamponade. This is a medical emergency.
Because chest pain can also be a sign of a heart attack or other serious conditions, it should not be ignored.
When you visit the CK Birla Hospitals, Kolkata, our cardiology team first takes time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and overall health. We closely evaluate your condition to find the possible cause of pericarditis and check for any complications, such as fluid around the heart. Depending on your symptoms and initial assessment, we may recommend the following tests:
Our cardiologist will ask about your chest pain, breathing difficulty, recent infections, previous heart procedures, existing health conditions, and medicines. We will also listen to your heart to check for sounds that may suggest inflammation around the heart.
An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart. We may recommend this test to look for changes that can occur with acute pericarditis and to assess your heart rhythm.
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of your heart. It helps our team assess your heart function and check whether fluid has collected around the heart.
We may recommend blood tests to look for signs of inflammation. These tests can also help us look for an infection or another health condition that may be causing pericarditis.
A chest X-ray helps us assess your heart and lungs. It may also provide useful information if there is significant fluid around the heart or another condition affecting your chest.
If we need a more detailed assessment, our cardiologist may recommend a CT scan or cardiac MRI. These imaging tests can help us look for inflammation, thickening, or other changes in the pericardium.
The tests you need will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and initial examination. Our team uses these findings together to understand your condition and plan the most appropriate pericarditis treatment for you.
The treatment depends on the cause, severity, and whether the condition is occurring for the first time or has returned. The main goals of treatment are to:
For many patients with acute pericarditis, anti-inflammatory medicines are the first step in treatment.
Medicines such as aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. The choice and dose depend on your individual health and medical history.
A proton pump inhibitor may also be prescribed in suitable patients to protect the stomach when certain anti-inflammatory medicines are used.
Colchicine is commonly used along with anti-inflammatory treatment. It can help reduce inflammation and lower the chance of pericarditis coming back.
The 2025 European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend colchicine as part of first-line treatment for pericarditis, alongside appropriate anti-inflammatory therapy.
It is important to take colchicine only as prescribed. The dose may need adjustment in people with certain kidney or liver problems or those taking particular medicines.
Corticosteroids may be considered in selected patients. They are generally not the first choice when standard anti-inflammatory treatment can be used safely.
A cardiologist may consider corticosteroids when other medicines cannot be used, when there is a specific underlying condition requiring them, or in certain difficult cases.
Pericarditis treatment also focuses on why the inflammation developed.
For example:
This is why identifying the cause is an important part of treatment.
Rest is an important part of recovery, particularly during active inflammation.
Your cardiologist may advise you to avoid strenuous exercise until the inflammation has settled. Returning to normal activity should be gradual and based on your symptoms and medical assessment.
The 2025 ESC guidance also highlights individualised recommendations for returning to work and exercise after appropriate assessment.
Some people develop pericarditis again after recovering from the first episode. This is called recurrent pericarditis.
Chronic pericarditis treatment may require longer-term anti-inflammatory therapy and close follow-up. Colchicine may be used to reduce further episodes. In difficult or recurrent cases, specialist treatment may be considered.
For patients who continue to have recurrent pericarditis despite standard treatment, newer anti-inflammatory medicines targeting interleukin-1, such as anakinra or rilonacept, may be considered in appropriate cases.
Pericarditis can sometimes cause a significant build-up of fluid around the heart. If this fluid puts pressure on the heart or causes cardiac tamponade, it may need to be drained.
A procedure called pericardiocentesis uses a needle or catheter to remove the excess fluid from around the heart.
If fluid cannot be safely or adequately drained with a needle, a surgical procedure called a pericardial window may be considered.
In some patients, long-standing inflammation causes the pericardium to become thick, stiff, and scarred. This can restrict the normal filling and movement of the heart.
When severe constrictive pericarditis does not respond to medical treatment, surgery called pericardiectomy may be considered. During this procedure, part or most of the affected pericardium is removed.
Surgery is not routinely needed for uncomplicated pericarditis.
Chest pain should always be taken seriously. You should seek medical attention if you develop unexplained or persistent chest pain, particularly if it is sharp, becomes worse when lying down or when breathing deeply, or is associated with shortness of breath or palpitations.
Seek emergency medical care if chest pain is severe or sudden, or if it is associated with:
These symptoms may indicate a serious heart or circulatory problem and should not be managed at home.
You should also continue follow-up after diagnosis. Regular assessment helps your cardiologist monitor inflammation, check for fluid around the heart, and adjust treatment when needed.
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Kolkata, we understand that chest pain can be worrying, especially when the cause is not immediately clear. Our approach focuses on finding the cause of your symptoms and planning treatment according to your condition.
Our cardiology team provides evaluation of pericarditis and related conditions using clinical assessment and appropriate cardiac investigations.
Our approach includes:
Our goal is to provide timely, personalised care while helping you understand your condition and treatment at every step.
Pericarditis itself is not always an emergency. Many cases are treated with medicines and monitoring. However, severe pericarditis can cause complications such as cardiac tamponade, which is a medical emergency. Sudden or severe chest pain should always be assessed promptly.
Yes. Pericarditis can return after the first episode. This is called recurrent pericarditis. Following the prescribed treatment, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activity until advised may help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Recovery varies from person to person. Acute pericarditis may improve over several weeks, while some patients take longer to recover. Chronic or recurrent pericarditis may need longer treatment and follow-up. Your cardiologist can advise you on when it is safe to return to normal physical activity.
Fluid can collect around the heart for several reasons. Pericarditis is one possible cause. Infections, cancer, kidney disease, autoimmune conditions, heart surgery, and other medical conditions can also cause pericardial effusion. The cause needs to be identified before deciding on treatment.
Pericardiocentesis may be required when a significant amount of fluid builds up around the heart and puts pressure on it, particularly in cardiac tamponade. It may also be used in selected cases when fluid needs to be removed for diagnosis or treatment. The decision depends on the amount of fluid, symptoms, cause, and effect on heart function.
Many people with acute pericarditis recover fully with appropriate treatment. However, some patients may experience recurrent or chronic disease. Following the treatment plan and attending regular follow-up can help manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications.
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