Dresslers Syndrome

Dressler syndrome is a type of inflammation around the heart (pericarditis). It happens when the heart muscle is injured, often after a heart attack, heart surgery, or a serious injury. Your body's immune system might react to the injury, causing this inflammation.

The inflammation, or pericarditis, results in swelling and irritation of the sac surrounding the heart. This can lead to chest pain, similar to the chest pain experienced during a heart attack. Because Dressler syndrome typically develops after heart muscle damage, it's sometimes called post-traumatic pericarditis. Other names for this condition include...

Dressler syndrome is a condition that sometimes develops weeks or months after a heart attack, chest surgery, or other chest injury. It's characterized by a set of symptoms. A common symptom is chest pain, often made worse when you take a deep breath. You might also experience a fever. Difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath, is another possible sign. If you experience sudden or persistent chest pain, seek immediate medical attention. Chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack or other serious medical problem.

If you have sudden or persistent chest pain, seek immediate medical attention. Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack or other serious health problems. Don't delay. Getting prompt medical care is crucial for a quick diagnosis and treatment.

Dressler syndrome is a condition where the body's immune system overreacts to damage in or around the heart. When the heart is hurt, whether from a heart attack, certain surgeries, or a serious chest injury like a car accident, the body sends immune cells and proteins (called antibodies) to the area to heal it. This healing response can sometimes lead to inflammation, causing swelling in the sac surrounding the heart, called the pericardium. This inflammation is what defines Dressler syndrome.

Heart problems, like damage to the heart muscle, can sometimes lead to a condition called Dressler syndrome. This isn't a direct cause-and-effect relationship, but damage to the heart muscle can make a person more likely to develop Dressler syndrome.

Several things can cause damage to the heart muscle, which can increase the risk of Dressler syndrome:

• Chest injuries: A serious chest injury, such as a fractured rib or a penetrating wound, can hurt the heart and lead to inflammation.

• Certain types of heart surgery: Some heart procedures can cause inflammation and damage to the heart muscle. This is more common with more extensive or complicated surgeries.

• Heart attack (myocardial infarction): A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. This can damage heart tissue. The damage from a heart attack can raise the risk of Dressler syndrome.

It's important to remember that not everyone who experiences these events will develop Dressler syndrome. This condition is a result of the body's immune response to the damaged heart tissue.

Dressler syndrome, a condition sometimes following heart surgery or a heart attack, can lead to problems with the fluid around the lungs and heart. One common complication is a buildup of fluid in the space between the lungs and chest wall, called pleural effusion. This extra fluid can make breathing harder.

Less often, Dressler syndrome can cause more serious problems around the heart. One is called cardiac tamponade. Inflammation can cause the sac surrounding the heart (the pericardium) to swell. This swelling traps fluid inside the sac, putting pressure on the heart. This pressure makes the heart have to work extra hard, and it can't pump blood as efficiently.

Another possible complication is constrictive pericarditis. If the inflammation around the heart is ongoing or keeps coming back, the sac surrounding the heart (the pericardium) can become thickened and scarred. This scarring stiffens the pericardium, limiting the heart's ability to expand and fill with blood properly, which also reduces how well the heart can pump. This can lead to ongoing heart problems.