Pericarditits After a Heart Attack

Alternate Names : Post-MI Pericarditis, Postmyocardial Infarction Pericarditis

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a history and physical exam. This is often enough to make the diagnosis, especially when the friction rub sound is present. An ECG, or heart tracing, will be done. This can aid in the diagnosis and help make sure the person is not having another heart attack. Blood tests, including tests called a complete blood count, or CBC, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, are often done as well.

An imaging test, called an echocardiogram, uses ultrasound waves to see the heart and may also help make the diagnosis in some cases.