What is a common symptom of pericarditis due to increased fluid in the pericardium?

A common symptom of pericarditis related to increased fluid in the pericardium is chest pain. This pain often arises due to the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. The characteristic chest pain associated with pericarditis is typically sharp and may worsen with deep breaths or changes in position, especially when lying flat. This pain is a direct result of the irritation caused by the inflamed pericardial layers as they rub against each other.

While other symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness can occur in various cardiovascular conditions, they are not as specific to pericarditis. Palpitations might reflect anxiety or other heart conditions rather than being a primary symptom of pericarditis. Shortness of breath and dizziness can occur if the condition leads to complications such as cardiac tamponade, but the hallmark symptom remains chest pain due to the inflammation of the pericardium. Therefore, identifying chest pain as a key symptom helps in diagnosing and managing pericarditis effectively.