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Pericarditis patient
Whether it is the first episode or a recurrence, pericarditis can be quite painful and incredibly scary. Patients report that, even if they know the cause, a recurrence still feels like a heart attack, compelling them to go to the emergency room for necessary treatment. Add to that the mounting risk for complications, and the deep clinical burden becomes clear.1-3
As pericarditis recurs, so does the need for treatment. Many individuals receive
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they did previously along
with other medications as needed, such as colchicine, corticosteroids, or
azathioprine. Side effects associated with these products may vary. None have
been shown to completely prevent future recurrences.4
In addition to specific recurrences, recurrent pericarditis carries an elevated risk for significant complications, such as pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade,and constrictive pericarditis.1
As their condition progresses, patients face physical deterioration,
rehospitalization, and impairment in quality of life.3,4,6
While a comprehensive analysis is still needed, this clinical burden clearly
comes at a cost, from hospitalizations and treatments to work time missed
due to disability.2,3
Of course, the clinical challenges of recurrent pericarditis are only half the battle. Pericarditis symptoms and their accompanying limitations on daily life can breed uncertainty. This may affect the patient’s state of mind and emotional health.3
The physical pain of recurrent pericarditis can directly impact emotional health, quality of life, and work productivity. And for those not currently experiencing a recurrence, fear of the next recurrence is a very real factor of daily life.3
A 2020 study evaluated the impact of recurrent pericarditis on the daily lives of patients in the United States. The researchers conducted a web-based survey of adult patients (≥18 years) with recurrent pericarditis who experienced
Among those not experiencing a recurrence, 48% reported
their level of fear of pericarditis as being “quite a bit” or
“very much.”3
Clinical burden of disease spans
emergent care for flares and long-term
management of complications.1,2
Patients with unresolved recurrent
pericarditis often have 1 or more
cardiovascular comorbidities.5
Recurrent pericarditis symptoms can
have significant impact on emotional
health and quality of life.3