Question

What is constrictive pericarditis?

Answer 1

Constrictive pericarditis is a condition where the pericardium, the thin membrane that holds your heart in place, becomes stiffer and thicker than normal. That interferes with your heart’s pumping ability and can lead to severe problems like heart failure. It's usually a chronic (long-term) problem, but it is treatable in most cases, especially with early diagnosis.

Comments

Constrictive pericarditis is a condition where the walls of the fluid-filled pouch around your heart, the pericardium, become too stiff or thick. That keeps your heart from beating properly and can cause severe complications over time. Depending on the severity, what caused it and your overall health history, it’s often treatable or even curable.

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Constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon condition that happens unpredictably. It also shares symptoms with many other conditions, so sometimes it can be tough to diagnose. Fortunately, advances in medical knowledge and technology mean it’s easier to diagnose this condition with certain imaging tests. The treatments for this condition have also made great strides. That means that this condition is treatable in most cases, and in some cases, a cure is possible.