Difference Between Pericarditis and STEMI


Symptoms of chest discomfort, palpitations, and shortness of breath are common in both pericarditis and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). STEMI is a life-threatening form of a heart attack in which a major artery is entirely stopped, while pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium. In what follows, we'll go even further into the ways in which they vary.

What is Pericarditis?

From the Greek prefix peri-, meaning "around," the Greek word kardia, meaning "heart," and the Latin suffix -itis, meaning "inflammation," arose the phrase pericarditis. Inflammation of any of the layers of the pericardium (the thin, fluid-filled sac that surrounds the heart) causes pericarditis, sometimes called pericardial illness.

Symptoms − Pericarditis is characterised by severe discomfort in the centre or left side of the chest. In addition to these, you may also have a dry cough, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or abdomen, and a low-grade fever.

Causes − Pericarditis is often brought on by a viral illness (often a respiratory infection). Lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis are only some of the autoimmune illnesses that have been linked to recurrent pericarditis. Cancer, cardiac surgery, heart attack, renal failure, AIDS, and drug side effects including phenytoin and warfarin are other potential causes.

Treatment − Some individuals with pericarditis are able to make a full recovery in as little as two to four weeks. Treatments range from rest and relaxation to anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, and even surgery for severe cases.

What is STEMI?

A STEMI, or "widowmaker heart attack," occurs when a major artery is entirely blocked. This type of heart attack is typically associated with coronary artery disease and is extremely hazardous. The ST segment is the electrocardiogram's inverted T wave.

Signs and Symptoms − Chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, palpitations, and anxiety are all symptoms of a STEMI.

Causes and Risk Factors − Plaque accumulation in the arteries, drug usage (especially cocaine and alcohol), smoking, high cholesterol and/or blood pressure, excess body fat, diabetes, strenuous physical activity, and emotional stress are all contributors to ST-elevation myocardial

infarction. Untreated infections like syphilis or salmonella increase the risk, as does age (especially in males over 50 with a family history of heart disease and in women after menopause ends).

Treatment − The treatment for STEMI must be initiated immediately. Beta-blockers and statins are given to stabilize the cardiac muscle, and the blocked artery is opened again. Within three hours of the artery becoming blocked, emergency treatment is required to avoid irreversible damage. The longer it takes to unclog the artery, the more damage is likely to occur.

Angioplasty (surgical reopening of the artery), stenting, and thrombolytic treatment (including clot-busting drugs) are all methods used to reopen arterial blockage (insertion of a mesh tube). The initial treatment phase is followed by a lengthy period of recovery that includes a change in diet, an exercise regimen, and the use of anticoagulant and lipid-lowering drugs.

Differences Pericarditis and STEMI

The following table highlights the major differences between Pericarditis and STEMI −

Characteristics

Pericarditis

STEMI

Definition

Inflammation of the pericardium, a thin, fluid-filled sac that surrounds the heart, is known as pericarditis.

A STEMI, or "widowmaker heart attack," occurs when a major artery is entirely blocked. This type of heart attack is typically associated with coronary artery disease and is extremely hazardous.

Symptoms

Pericarditis is characterized by severe discomfort in the center or left side of the chest. In addition to these, you may also have a dry cough, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or abdomen, and a low-grade fever.

The symptoms of STEMI are angina or chest pain, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, palpitations, and anxiety.

Causes

Pericarditis is often brought on by a viral illness (often a respiratory infection). Lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis are only some of the autoimmune illnesses that have been linked to recurrent pericarditis.

Cancer, cardiac surgery, heart attack, renal failure, AIDS, and drug side effects, including phenytoin and warfarin are other potential causes.

Plaque accumulation on artery walls, substance abuse (such as cocaine and alcohol), smoking, high cholesterol and/or blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, overexertion, and stress all contribute to the development of STEMI.

Treatment

Avoiding excessive activity, using antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medicines, and surgery are all ways to manage pericarditis.

Angioplasty (surgical reopening of the artery), stenting, and thrombolytic treatment (including clot-busting drugs) are all methods used to reopen arterial blockage (insertion of a mesh tube).

The initial treatment phase is followed by a lengthy period of recovery that includes a change in diet, an exercise regimen, and the use of anticoagulant and lipid-lowering drugs.

Conclusion

In this article, we explained in detail the various differences between Pericarditis and STEMI.

Updated on: 27-Jan-2023

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