How is acute pericarditis diagnosed?
Your caregiver will examine you, and ask you about medical problems that you have had in the past. You may also have any of the following tests: • 12-lead ECG: This test, also called an EKG, helps caregivers look for damage or problems in your heart. Sticky pads are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. Each sticky pad has a wire that is hooked to a machine or TV-type screen. A short period of electrical activity in your heart muscle is recorded. Caregivers will look closely for problems or changes in how your heart is working. • Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. • Chest x-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Chest x-rays may show tumors or fluid around your heart and lungs. • Echocardiogram: This test is also called an echo. It uses sound waves to show pictures of the size and shape of your heart, and how your heart moves when it is beating. An echo can also see fluid around the heart or problems with your heart valves. • Imaging tests: Tests such as computer
