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Pericarditis
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- Appointments with a pericarditis specialist in as little as 24 hours
- 99% of our cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
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Pericarditis at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we're No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care, giving you peace of mind that your heart is in safe hands. We provide care to more than 26,000 cardiac patients each year – more than any other private UK provider. And of those patients, 99% would recommend us to their family and friends.
Our pericarditis specialists are supported by multidisciplinary teams, including clinical nurse specialists, physiologists, radiographers and more. With access to more than 235 cardiac consultants, you'll receive fully personalised care, tailored to your specific needs.
Pericarditis refers to the inflammation of the protective fluid-filled sac around the heart, known as the pericardium. This condition can cause sharp chest pain when the irritated layers of the heart's lining rub against each other. Although not normally serious, it can be alarming and potentially lead to complications.
If you're worried about your heart health, you can book a consultation with a specialist today to take the first step to fast diagnostics and effective treatment.
Pericarditis isn't a serious concern, but it can lead to health implications if not recognised early. If you develop pericarditis, you may experience some or all of these symptoms:
- A sharp or stabbing pain in the chest
- Neck pain, which may extend across the shoulders or arms
- Chest pain worsens when you breathe in deeply, swallow, cough, or lie down
- Fatigue or feelings of weakness
- Low-grade fever that comes and goes
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath, which may come on suddenly
- Heart palpitations (pounding or racing heartbeat)
If you're experiencing symptoms, we're here to help with fast access to tests and expert care to ensure you get the treatment you need, when you need it.
Get in touch to book a same- or next-day GP appointment
At your initial consultation, your pericarditis specialist will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history and perform some quick tests to assess your condition.
Your consultant will recommend a personalised treatment plan, which may include further testing at one of our 15 diagnostic centres. You can find more details of the tests and scans we offer below.
It can be difficult to confirm the exact cause of pericarditis, but it usually occurs following a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. Inflammation of areas such as the pericardium is one of your body's instinctive reactions to fight off such infections. It can also be a direct cause of:
- An immune system response after heart damage, usually from surgery or a heart attack
- Inflammatory disorders, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Injury to the heart or chest
- Chronic health conditions, including kidney failure and cancer
Pericarditis is usually mild and may go away without treatment. Anyone can suffer from pericarditis, even those who are active and in good health. Seeking early diagnosis can help reduce the risk of long-term health issues.
If you have any concerns about your heart health, find a pericarditis specialist today and arrange a consultation.
Different types of pericarditis can cause different symptoms, which is why it's essential to get the correct diagnosis. Our pericarditis specialists will listen to your heart to help them accurately diagnose the type of pericarditis and understand the severity of your condition, so they can provide the most effective treatment.
The condition is grouped into these categories:
- Acute pericarditis: This can start suddenly but doesn't usually last longer than three weeks. It can be difficult to recognise the difference between acute pericarditis and pain caused by a heart attack.
- Recurrent pericarditis: This occurs about four to six weeks following an episode of acute pericarditis. You shouldn't experience any symptoms in between.
- Incessant pericarditis: Symptoms of this type of pericarditis are usually continuous. It will last about four to six weeks and no longer than three months.
- Chronic pericarditis: This develops gradually and lasts longer than three months.
If you experience heart attack symptoms, please call 999 immediately.
26,000+
Cardiac patients treated every year.
25,000
ECGs provided per year
20,000+
echocardiograms performed each year
Next-day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Visit any one of 15 dedicated diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham
Worried about your heart rate and don’t know what to do?
Get in touch with and book a same- or next-day GP appointment.
Have a referral and need to book?
Simply book a test, scan or treatment directly today.
Unsure of a diagnosis and need some advice?
Talk to a cardiologist and get the answers you’ve been looking for.
Cardiac tests and scans at HCA UK
Expert diagnosis, fast results
As an HCA UK patient, you’ll have access to the UK’s most comprehensive private diagnostics network. That means all the latest tests and imaging scans, and it also means fast results – often in as little as 48 hours.
In just three years, we performed more than 75,000 electrocardiograms and 62,000 echocardiograms, giving patients peace of mind or a fast track to the treatment they need.
The tests and scans we offer include:
- Physical assessment
- Medical history review
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- X-ray
- Blood tests
Pericarditis treatments at HCA UK
Expert care, excellent outcomes
At HCA UK, we treat more cardiac patients than any other private provider. That gives us unique experience when it comes to cardiac care. This expertise, coupled with our investment in state-of-the-art technology and innovative procedures, has helped thousands of patients, with a 99% success rate across all cardiac surgery.
There are several treatment paths for pericarditis, depending on the cause and severity of your condition. However, if the condition persists, you may be given stronger medication or require surgery. Our pericarditis treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Antibiotics
- Pericardiocentesis
- Pericardiectomy
Book an appointment with a pericarditis specialist in as little as 24 hours
Get started
We'll do everything we can to fit around your schedule – including offering virtual appointments, should you need one. However, if you can see a consultant in person, it helps us to make an accurate assessment of your condition and ensure you're getting the care you need as soon as you need it.
Don’t have a referral? Don’t worry.
Our private GPs can refer you to the right specialist for expert diagnosis. You can often get a same- or next-day appointment, so get in touch and see how we can help.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Pericarditis FAQs
There are no specific prevention methods for pericarditis, but there are some sensible steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting an infection that may lead to the condition. These include:
- Avoid close contact with people who have viral or flu-like illnesses, such as cold, flu and COVID-19
- Practice good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of viruses
- Keep up-to-date with vaccinations
While pericarditis can go away on its own with no treatment, in some cases, it may increase the risk of further health implications. Which is why it's important to get any concerns checked out as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing pericarditis, you may be exposed to the following risks:
- Pericardial effusion: A buildup of fluid around the heart.
- Cardiac tamponade: A condition that puts pressure on the heart due to the buildup of fluids. It prevents the heart from filling properly and less blood gets pumped around the body as a result. This can cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure, which may require emergency treatment.
- Constrictive pericarditis: Involves the thickening and scarring of the heart lining, which can stop it from functioning properly.
The symptoms of pericarditis are similar to other heart conditions, so it's vital to see a cardiac specialist as soon as possible to get the right treatment. Get in touch to book a same- or next-day private GP appointment.
Some symptoms that feel like signs of pericarditis could quickly become dangerous health issues.
You should call 999 immediately if you experience chest pain that:
- Spreads to your arms, neck, back, or jaw
- Makes your chest feel tight and heavy
- Comes with shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea
- Lasts more than 15 minutes
Pericarditis and myocarditis are both treatable conditions that involve temporary heart inflammation. Pericarditis affects the protective lining around the heart, while myocarditis affects the heart muscle.
Both are often caused by viral infections and usually improve with rest and proper care. In some cases, people may experience both at once, known as myopericarditis. With the right treatment, most people make a full recovery and return to normal activities.
At HCA UK, we offer appointments with our pericarditis specialists in as little as 24 hours and results within 48 hours. Giving you peace of mind that you're in safe hands and can receive prompt treatment should you need it.
Cardiac Care Patient Stories
How a health kick revealed a serious heart condition
When the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, like millions of others, 56-year-old House Manager James took the opportunity to introduce some simple daily exercise into his busy work schedule. Little did he know that the changes would reveal a hidden heart condition, that would require a triple heart bypass to fix.
A simple heart screening revealed Mahmoud’s tumour
At 55, Mahmoud had never felt fitter. The orthodontist from northwest London enjoyed daily exercise classes and a range of sports. It was only when a relative was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease that his wife suggested he arrange a routine heart health check-up.
Designing a new heart
Using his experience in 3D printing for his architecture clients, David built a life-size model of his own heart and ribcage to help visualise and plan his endoscopic heart surgery with Mr Toufan Bahrami.
Just two months after undergoing heart surgery at The Harley Street Clinic, David, who is in his 70s, is looking forward to his forthcoming trip to Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg with his wife.
“I knew that if I wanted the best outcome, I needed to go to the best place. The Harley Street Clinic had outstanding ratings and some of the top cardiologists.”
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.