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Pericardial disease is a group of illnesses that affect the pericardium, which is the thin, double-layered sac that surrounds the heart. This structure is important because it protects the heart, keeps it in place, and reduces friction when the heart moves. When the pericardium gets irritated, thicker, or too much fluid builds up in it, it can mess up how the heart works.

One of the most common types is pericarditis. It is marked by inflammation that causes sharp chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or lie down. Fluid can also build up between the layers of the pericardium in a condition called pericardial effusion. This can put stress on the heart if it gets bad enough. In serious cases, cardiac tamponade may happen, which is a dangerous condition in which fluid buildup makes it hard for the heart to work.

There are a number of things that can cause pericardial diseases, including infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), autoimmune disorders, trauma, cancer, or issues that arise after heart surgery. Echocardiography, ECG, and blood tests are common ways to look at the heart and make a diagnosis.

The treatment will depend on what caused the problem and how bad it is. It could be anything from anti-inflammatory drugs to surgery in the worst cases. Getting a diagnosis early and taking care of it the right way is important to avoid problems and keep the heart working as well as possible.