475,000 People die of Cardiac Arrest a year in the U.S

According to the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 121,800 hours lost on the jobsite in 2017 due to hand injuries. For those who seek medical treatment for these types of injuries, it can cost an average of $22,384. Within these cases, 70% of the hand injuries occurred when users were not even wearing gloves to protect themselves while working.

Despite the severity of these injuries and the overwhelming statistics that highlight the necessity of hand protection, there is still a lot of confusion surrounding what needs to be considered when choosing a worker’s hand protection. It is critical to understand that not all hand protection is created equal. Proper hand protection is critical, however, as standards evolve and workers often question which solution to use. In turn, this frustration often deters users from taking advantage of any sort of hand protection at all.

Understanding the differences between each type of hand protection is difficult—even for safety professionals. There are multiple factors and jobsite requirements that need to be considered when protecting workers’ hands with cut-resistance, impact-resistance, or back-of-hand protection at the forefront. While hand injuries are some of the most common injuries among jobsites, they are also some of the most preventable.

Making the Cut

Any type of cut is unpleasant, but the repercussions from a cut to the hand for a worker can be worse than the injury itself. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a single hand injury results in six days away from work on average. For many, this translates to lost wages and diminished abilities upon returning to work. Luckily, within the world of personal protective equipment (PPE), cut-resistant gloves are available to protect workers’ hands from cuts when working with sharp tools and materials.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) categorizes cut resistance into nine different levels of protection; the higher the cut level, the more protection the glove provides. To ensure adequate protection, a user must choose the right glove based on the application they wish to complete. Some examples of types of applications for each cut level are listed below:

ANSI A1 (Light Cut Hazards): Light material handling, general work, small parts assembly, forestry and construction.

ANSI A2-A3 (Light/Medium Cut Hazards): Demolition, material handling, general work, small parts assembly, forestry, construction, wire stripping, pipe threading, cutting and automotive.

ANSI A4 (Medium Cut Hazards): Manufacturing, light glass handling, drywall, electrical, carpet installation, HVAC, automotive assembly and metal handling.

ANSI A5 (Medium/Heavy Cut Hazards): Metal handling, abrasive/sharp material handling, pipe threading, cutting, drywall, electrical, glass handling and duct work.

ANSI A6-A9 (High Cut Hazards): Heavy metal handling, automotive assembly, sharp metal handling and recycling.

As jobsite safety is emphasized throughout the world, users increasingly need hand protection that is comfortable yet durable. To comply with user needs, many manufacturers now offer a wide range of cut-resistant gloves.

Brace for Impact

Fallen building materials, dropped tools and tasks that involve the risk of pinching and crushing are no strangers to a jobsite. Unfortunately, these common hazards are likely to put workers at risk for impact injuries. Like cut injuries, injuries sustained from impact can lead to lost time and wages and are often even more detrimental to a user’s health. Fortunately, impact-resistant gloves incorporate protective features that can shield the hand from unexpected impact.

Up until 2019, there were no official standards or requirements in place regarding the importance of impact-resistance. In March 2019, the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) set a new ANSI/ISEA 138 standard. This standard provided new testing methods for impact-resistant gloves and back-of-hand protection, including a new scale testing impact rating for all finger and knuckle impact sites. With the European EN388 standard originally set up as a pass/fail test, this new standard implemented an impact scale from 1 to 3 to provide more consistency for impact resistance. For example, ANSI/ISEA 1 gloves are classified for protection from lighter weight forces, and ANSI/ISEA 3 gloves are classified for protection from heavier forces:

Level 1 (Low Impact): Allowed an average force of Impact ≤ 9kN.

Level 2 (Medium Impact): Allowed an average force of Impact ≤ 6.5kN.

Level 3 (High Impact): Allowed an average force of Impact ≤4kN.

What Does This Mean for the Industry?

With these safety standards in place, contractors and safety managers not only need to integrate hand protection into their jobsite safety plans, but they will also need to align with OSHA requirements and select the proper solution based on the job at hand. These standards will ultimately help users stay safe and productive while minimizing hand injuries.

Hand protection should not only improve safety but also overall productivity on the jobsite. With these new standards in place, manufacturers, safety managers and contractors have an excellent opportunity to start working towards a jobsite united in hand injury prevention.

VOICE YOUR OPINION!

Suggestions to Prepare for a Successful Stand-Down

1. Try to start early. Designate a coordinator to organize the stand-down. If you have multiple work sites, identify the team that will lead the stand-down at each site.
2. Think about asking your subcontractors, owner, architects, engineers, or others associated with your project to participate in the stand-down.
3. Consider reviewing your fall prevention program. This will help provide a more effective stand-down.
4. 
   
   1. What types of falls could happen:
      • Falls from ladders
      • Falls from a roof
      • Falls from a scaffold
      • Falls down stairs
      • Falls from a structural steel
      • Falls through a floor or roof opening
      • Falls through a fragile roof surface
   2. What needs improvement? Is your program meeting its goals? Are you experiencing fatalities, injuries, or near misses? Are employees aware of the company's fall protection procedures?
   3. What training have you provided to your employees? Does it need revision?
   4. What equipment have you provided to your employees? Is better equipment available?
5. Develop presentations or activities that will meet your needs. Decide what information will be best for your workplace and employees. The meeting should provide information to employees about hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies, goals and expectations. Hands-on exercises (a worksite walkaround, equipment checks, etc.) can increase retention.
6. Decide when to hold the stand-down and how long it will last. Decide if the stand-down will take place over a break, a lunch period, or some other time.
7. Promote the stand-down. Try to make it interesting to employees. Some employers find that serving snacks increases participation.
8. Hold your stand-down. Try to make it positive and interactive. Let employees talk about their experiences and encourage them to make suggestions.
9. Follow up. If you learned something that could improve your fall prevention program, consider making changes.

Fatalities caused by falls continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018 they accounted for 320 of the 1,008 construction facilities.

In an effort to prevent those deaths, which were preventable, OSHA holds a  National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country.

What is a Safety Stand-Down?

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on "Fall Hazards" and reinforcing the importance of "Fall Prevention". Employers of companies not exposed to fall hazards can also use this opportunity to have a conversation with employees about the other job hazards they face, protective methods, and the company's safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall and other job hazards they see.

Who Can Participate?

Anyone who wants to prevent hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down. In past years, participants included commercial construction companies of all sizes, residential construction contractors, sub- and independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. Military, other government participants, unions, employer's trade associations, institutes, employee interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers.

Partners

OSHA is partnering with key groups to assist with this effort, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), OSHA approved State Plans, State consultation programs, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the National Safety Council, the National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE), the U.S. Air Force, and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers.

How to Conduct a Safety Stand-Down and FAQ's

Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job-specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to a blood clot that starts in a vein. It is the third leading vascular diagnosis after heart attack and stroke, affecting between 300,000 to 600,000 Americans each year. There are two types:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Deep vein thrombosis is a clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. DVT sometimes affects the arm or other veins.
• Pulmonary embolism (PE) A pulmonary embolism occurs when a DVT clot breaks free from a vein wall, travels to the lungs and then blocks some or all of the blood supply. Blood clots originating in the thigh are more likely to break off and travel to the lungs than blood clots in the lower leg or other parts of the body.

What causes venous thromboembolism?

The most common triggers for venous thromboembolism are surgery, cancer, immobilization and hospitalization.

Deep vein thrombosis forms in the legs when something slows or changes the flow of blood. In women, pregnancy and the use of hormones like oral contraceptives or estrogen for menopause symptoms can also play a role.

Certain groups are at higher risk for clotting:

• Older people
• People who are obese or overweight
• People with cancer or other conditions (including autoimmune disorders such as lupus)
• People whose blood is thicker than normal because their bone marrow produces too many blood cells

Genetic causes of excessive blood clotting are also important. This happens when there are changes in the genetic code of some proteins needed for clotting, or proteins that work to dissolve blood clots in the body.

Venous thromboembolism is most common in adults 60 and older, but it can occur at any age. VTE is rare in children, though.

Read more about VTE risk factors.

The future of venous thromboembolism

Pulmonary embolism is the most common preventable cause of death among hospital patients in the United States, and yet venous thromboembolism in general – and pulmonary embolism in particular – is often overlooked as a major public health problem.

The potential public health benefit of preventing VTE is considerable. Data from randomized trials involving general surgical patients suggest that adequate prevention measures in high-risk patients can prevent VTE in one of 10 patients – and save the life of about one of 200 patients.

Picture from: Slide Share.net

Article from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/venous-thromboembolism/what-is-venous-thromboembolism-vte

Pericarditis refers to inflammation of the pericardium, two thin layers of a sac-like tissue that surround the heart, hold it in place and help it work. A small amount of fluid keeps the layers separate so that there’s no friction between them.

A common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain, caused by the sac’s layers becoming inflamed and possibly rubbing against the heart. It may feel like pain from a heart attack.

If you have chest pain, call 911 right away because you may be having a heart attack. Learn about warning signs for a heart attack.

Overview

Pericarditis can be attributed to several factors, including viral, bacterial, fungal and other infections. Other possible causes of pericarditis include heart attack or heart surgery, other medical conditions, injuries and medications.

Pericarditis can be acute, meaning it happens suddenly and typically doesn’t last long. Or the condition may be "chronic," meaning that it develops over time and may take longer to treat.

Both types of pericarditis can disrupt your heart’s normal rhythm or function. In rare cases, pericarditis can have very serious consequences, even leading to death.

Outlook

Most of the time, pericarditis is mild and clears up on its own with rest or simple treatment. Sometimes, more intense treatment is needed to prevent complications.

Recovery from pericarditis may take a few days to weeks or even months.

Other names for pericarditis

• Idiopathic pericarditis (no known cause)
• Acute pericarditis
• Chronic pericarditis
• Chronic effusive pericarditis and chronic constrictive pericarditis (forms of chronic pericarditis)
• Recurrent pericarditis

Causes of pericarditis

The cause of pericarditis is often unknown, though viral infections are a common cause. Pericarditis often occurs after a respiratory infection.

Chronic, or recurring pericarditis is usually the result of autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis. These are disorders in which the body’s immune system makes antibodies that mistakenly attack the body’s tissues or cells.

Other possible causes of pericarditis are:

• Heart attack and heart surgery
• Kidney failure, HIV/AIDS, cancer, tuberculosis and other health problems
• Injuries from accidents or radiation therapy
• Certain medicines, like phenytoin (an anti-seizure medicine), warfarin and heparin (both blood-thinning medicines), and procainamide (a medicine to treat irregular heartbeats)

Who is at risk for pericarditis?

Pericarditis affects people of all ages, but men 20 to 50 years old are more likely to develop pericarditis than others.

Among those treated for acute pericarditis, 15 to 30 percent may experience the condition again, with a small number eventually developing chronic pericarditis.

Story From: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/pericarditis/what-is-pericarditis

Picture from: Mayclinic.com

If you’re reading this, you probably care about health and the role that cholesterol can play. That’s an important first step.

So, what is cholesterol? What does it do?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance. It’s not inherently “bad.” In fact, your body needs it to build cells. But too much cholesterol can pose a problem.

Cholesterol comes from two sources. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. The remainder of the cholesterol in your body comes from foods derived from animals. For example, meat, poultry and full-fat dairy products all contain cholesterol, called dietary cholesterol.

Those same foods are high in saturated and trans fats. Those fats cause your liver to make more cholesterol than it otherwise would. For some people, this added production means they go from a normal cholesterol level to one that’s unhealthy.

Some tropical oils – such as palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil – can also trigger your liver to make more cholesterol. These oils are often found in baked goods.

Cholesterol circulates in the blood. As the amount of cholesterol in your blood increases, so does the risk to your health. That’s why it’s important to have your cholesterol tested, so you can know your levels.

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL cholesterol, which is bad, and HDL, which is good. Too much of the bad kind, or not enough of the good kind, increases the risk that cholesterol will slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain.

Cholesterol can join with other substances to form a thick, hard deposit on the inside of the arteries. This can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible – a condition known as atherosclerosis. If a blood clot forms and blocks one of these narrowed arteries, a heart attack or stroke can result.

When it comes to cholesterol, this is what to remember: check, change and control. That is:

• Check your cholesterol levels. It’s key to know your numbers.
• Change your diet and lifestyle to help improve your levels.
• Control your cholesterol, with help from your doctor if needed
• High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. If you have other risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure or diabetes, your risk increases even more.

  The more risk factors you have and the more severe they are, the more your overall risk is compounded.

At her new job as a nurse at a college in St. Louis, Roslyn Harvey spent most of her day sitting at a desk. So, when she felt breathless walking across campus or climbing stairs, she figured she was out of shape.

To get fit, she started walking 15-20 minutes on a treadmill before work. Then one evening, Roslyn came home from work so exhausted she dozed off while sitting at her kitchen table. She jolted awake, surprised at her tiredness and sensing a sharp pain in her left shoulder and pressure in her chest.

"It was uncomfortable, but not like the vise grip or someone standing on your chest type of pressure I learned as a nurse," she said. "So, I thought it was indigestion."

The shoulder pain eased, but not the feeling in her chest. Roslyn noticed that whenever she moved, the discomfort moved, further bolstering her thinking it was only indigestion.

She went to bed but awakened at 2 a.m., took some antacid and went back to bed. In the morning, she felt the same. She soon found herself alternating between vomiting and diarrhea.

Then her brother called. As she described her symptoms, including the persistent pain in her chest, her brother said, "I think this is a heart attack."

"I arrived at the hospital at 11:35 a.m. and by 3:30 p.m. I was recovering from surgery in the ICU," she said. Doctors had placed two stents to restore blood flow in her heart.

Roslyn tried to understand why she had a heart attack at 58.

Although she was 15 pounds overweight, she didn't have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and didn't smoke. She looked more closely at her family's health history.

She hadn't been close to her late father. A copy of his death certificate showed he died of a heart attack in his late 60s. She also learned her maternal grandfather died in his 80s of a suspected heart attack. Roslyn's older brother and two sisters had high blood pressure.

"I felt like I was healthy and never had any problems," she said. "It was my assumption that I was fine."

After her heart attack in January 2015, Roslyn began exercising regularly. She eventually began working out for an hour at least three days a week.

She also changed her diet, avoiding sodium, sugar and fried foods. She decreased portions and changed her approach to dining out, asking for sauces and dressings on the side.

"I really started reading labels closely so I would know what I was eating," she said.

Her heart attack also persuaded her 30-year-old son, Robert S. Harvey, to make lifestyle changes. "I'm asking more questions about what I'm eating and being more open to healthier options," he said.

As a school superintendent in New York's East Harlem neighborhood, Robert now walks between campuses for meetings, even planning walking meetings to stay active.

"I'm a lot more conscious about getting regular exercise," he said.

Robert said his mom's experience also illustrates the role of community support – both in cases of emergency and in making lifestyle changes.

"I'm being a lot more upfront with close friends, so they know my family history in case anything happens," he said.

Roslyn said her experience illustrates the importance of listening to your body.

"You need to know your family history and listen to your body," she said. "If something doesn't feel right, then you need to seek medical help."

She volunteers for the American Heart Association, sharing her story and presenting heart-health information at her sorority and church.

Roslyn also learned more about recognizing heart attack symptoms. Like men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort, but women are more likely than men to experience other symptoms, including shortness of breath, extreme exhaustion, indigestion, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

"Don't read my story and look for my symptoms," she said. "Just know that symptoms for women can be different than the ones men experience."

                   Heart attack survivor Roslyn Harvey was featured in the 2020 St. Louis Go Red for Women campaign. (Photo by Mena Darre Photography)

                 Roslyn Harvey with her son, Robert. (Photo courtesy of Roslyn Harvey)

                Roslyn Harvey (right) with her goddaughter, Clara Stevenson, at a 2020 Go Red for Women luncheon. (Photo courtesy of Roslyn Harvey)

Story courtesy of: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/07/07/nurse-misread-symptoms-of-her-own-heart-attack

On the Friday before Mother's Day, the Rev. Eddie Woods did his best to hide his discomfort.

Short of breath and lightheaded, he didn't want his wife, Julie, to notice. He hoped she'd be distracted by getting ready to host dinner for her parents, a gathering that would mark the first time they'd had guests over since the coronavirus pandemic hit.

But Julie knows Eddie too well. High school sweethearts whose bond tightened further by starting and growing a church in the Dallas suburb of Allen, she could tell his complexion was too pale and his body looked puffy.

They'd had a scare two years earlier, when a severe flu weakened Eddie's heart. But he'd recovered and had recently been fit and energetic. Was this another flu? Or even the coronavirus?

"You look horrible," Julie told him just before her parents were to arrive. "I'm taking you to the hospital now."

But because of coronavirus protocols, Julie wasn't allowed to accompany Eddie or even stay in the waiting room. Whatever was wrong, he would fight it alone.

Several hours later, Eddie texted to say he'd been put on the COVID floor, just in case. The two hatched a virtual rendezvous. Julie returned to the hospital and Eddie flashed his bedside light on and off. Standing outside, she could at least see which room he was in.

Eddie tested negative for COVID-19. But his condition deteriorated. Doctors said he was going into heart failure.

After Eddie caught the flu in 2018, he resumed his active life and exercising regularly, but then he nearly passed out while tying his shoe. It turned out the viral infection had weakened his heart, causing it to enlarge, and left fluid around his heart and lungs.

Then, he'd spent a week in the hospital and months wearing a defibrillator. Earlier this year, he got permission to ease off his new regimen of medications.

But now, a day after arriving in the ER, he was transferred to a facility in Dallas that specialized in heart patients.

Although she followed the ambulance to the hospital, Julie wasn't allowed to go inside. Two days later, doctors set up a video call in the intensive care unit.

They were not prepared for the message. Eddie needed a new heart.

"Give me some time to get better," he pleaded. "I'll adjust my medication and get back on top of it."

But a transplant was the only solution, they said.

Eddie reached out through mutual friends to two heart transplant recipients to get a better understanding of what he was facing.

"After hearing how great they felt, I thought, 'OK, there's a life on the other side,'" he said.

Julie, meanwhile, had another issue: Sharing the news about Eddie with their congregation at City Point Church. They opened the non-denominational Christian church in 2013, and it had grown to more than 1,000 congregants.

"I wanted to keep it private, but knowing that we don't live a private life, I really had no choice," she said. "I didn't know how to accept people helping me with things. I'm always the one to help others."

Staff members posted updates on the church's website and social media accounts, and set up a twice-daily prayer gathering via video chat. Cards and letters started pouring in. Members also reached out to comfort the couple's 12-year-old son and two daughters, ages 21 and 23.

Eddie, however, wasn't on the transplant list quite yet. The delay wasn't medical, it was financial.

The hospital and the couple's health-sharing plan (an alternative to insurance) were at odds over payment. Nothing could be done until an agreement could be made or upfront costs of $465,000 were paid.

During this wait, the hospital allowed Julie to enter once. Knowing she likely wouldn't be allowed back, she stayed for a week.

Then, things started to come together. A financial deal was reached. Visitation restrictions were lifted. Julie went home, knowing she'd be able to return.

Only a few days later, doctors called her from Eddie's room with good news.

Eddie received a new heart the next day. The following week, he walked 2 miles a day through the halls of the hospital.

"My heart felt normal for the first time in a long time," he said.

He returned home June 15, passing through streets lined with dozens of sign-waving well-wishers.

Still in cardiac rehabilitation, he's learned to ask for help, a difficult shift for someone accustomed to being the one who gives it.

"I've faced some things in my life, but this one was definitely the biggest cliff I've ever stood on," he said. "I feel like it's deepened my empathy and compassion. I leaned on my faith a lot. I think determination makes a big difference when you're dealing with something like this. God's given us the ability to be stewards over things. For me, that's my family, my church and my body."

                                      Rev. Eddie Woods with his wife, Julie. (Photo by Whitney Rogers Photography)

                                      Rev. Eddie Woods went from feeling healthy to needing a heart transplant – all during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo courtesy of City Point Church)

                                     Rev. Eddie Woods just before going into surgery to receive his new heart. (Photo courtesy of the Woods family)

Story Credit: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/07/30/whats-it-like-to-get-a-new-heart-during-a-pandemic-this-texas-pastor-can-tell-you

A readily, easily accessible AED is an invaluable life saving device. While the technology and functionality of an AED makes it a complex piece of life saving gear under the hood, purchasing the proper equipment for your emergency use is not as tricky as one might think. As with any important purchase, knowledge is power. Knowing what to look for in an AED is half the battle in ensuring that when disaster strikes you will be as well prepared as possible. 

Here are ten important pointers, tips, and guidelines to consider before committing to purchasing an AED, in no particular order:

1: Sturdiness: Is your AED going to be roughly used and transported? People like fire fighters, police officers, and first responders require equipment that is able to withstand the abuse of travel and still reliably function. However, an AED that remains indoors for infrequent emergency use doesn’t need excessive padding or strength. Think about the application of your AED.

2: Weight: Will your AED remain in storage? Hanging on a wall? Frequently moved or carried? Will the people most likely using the device be able to easily lift and move it?

3: Simplicity: Will your device be used by trained professionals or will it be designated for public use? Keep in mind the kind of person who may be using the AED and consider that they will be using it in a stressful situation that they may not be at all accustomed to.

4: CPR/AED training: Remember that a life saving device is only as powerful as one’s knowledge and ability to use it properly. Training and certification is paramount to effective use!

5: Fully-automatic or semi-automatic shock delivery: Some AED’s delivery a shock immediately upon charge and others require the pressing of a button to trigger them. It’s important to decide which method of shock delivery you are most comfortable with.

6: ECG readout: There are AEDs available with advanced ECG displays and functionality. These are of most value to emergency responders and health professionals whereas a public use machine may not require these additional options.

7: Weatherproofing: What will the environment where the AED remains be like? Dry and dusty? Humid and damp? Consider the conditions the unit will spend its time in and look into a model that is able to resist adverse climate conditions.

8: Price: Not all AEDs are created equal and, like with most products, a cheaper unit will most likely not carry the same reliable functionality of a more expensive one. However, the most expensive device may not be the one best suited to your specific needs. Keep all other factors in mind while shopping.

9: Reviews: Check user and industry reviews for any AEDs you are interested in. See how they stack up to each other and try to find reviews that target the intended application of your unit (ie: public use, outdoor storage, portability, etc).

10: Visual and voice prompts: While all AEDs are equipped with audio prompts, some also feature visual displays. This may be crucial if your unit is going to be used in loud, busy environments or could possibly be used by someone with impaired hearing.

Pericarditis refers to inflammation of the pericardium, two thin layers of a sac-like tissue that surround the heart, hold it in place and help it work. A small amount of fluid keeps the layers separate so that there’s no friction between them.

A common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain, caused by the sac’s layers becoming inflamed and possibly rubbing against the heart. It may feel like pain from a heart attack.

If you have chest pain, call 911 right away because you may be having a heart attack. Learn about warning signs for a heart attack.

Overview

Pericarditis can be attributed to several factors, including viral, bacterial, fungal and other infections. Other possible causes of pericarditis include heart attack or heart surgery, other medical conditions, injuries and medications.

Pericarditis can be acute, meaning it happens suddenly and typically doesn’t last long. Or the condition may be "chronic," meaning that it develops over time and may take longer to treat.

Both types of pericarditis can disrupt your heart’s normal rhythm or function. In rare cases, pericarditis can have very serious consequences, even leading to death.

Outlook

Most of the time, pericarditis is mild and clears up on its own with rest or simple treatment. Sometimes, more intense treatment is needed to prevent complications.

Recovery from pericarditis may take a few days to weeks or even months.

Other names for pericarditis

• Idiopathic pericarditis (no known cause)
• Acute pericarditis
• Chronic pericarditis
• Chronic effusive pericarditis and chronic constrictive pericarditis (forms of chronic pericarditis)
• Recurrent pericarditis

Causes of pericarditis

The cause of pericarditis is often unknown, though viral infections are a common cause. Pericarditis often occurs after a respiratory infection.

Chronic, or recurring pericarditis is usually the result of autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis. These are disorders in which the body’s immune system makes antibodies that mistakenly attack the body’s tissues or cells.

Other possible causes of pericarditis are:

• Heart attack and heart surgery
• Kidney failure, HIV/AIDS, cancer, tuberculosis and other health problems
• Injuries from accidents or radiation therapy
• Certain medicines, like phenytoin (an anti-seizure medicine), warfarin and heparin (both blood-thinning medicines), and procainamide (a medicine to treat irregular heartbeats)

Who is at risk for pericarditis?

Pericarditis affects people of all ages, but men 20 to 50 years old are more likely to develop pericarditis than others.

Among those treated for acute pericarditis, 15 to 30 percent may experience the condition again, with a small number eventually developing chronic pericarditis.

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/pericarditis/what-is-pericarditis

Pictures taken from: mayclinic.com