What is a hallmark symptom of pericarditis?

A hallmark symptom of pericarditis is sharp chest pain that may improve when sitting forward. This type of pain is often described as sharp or stabbing and is typically located in the center or left side of the chest. Patients with pericarditis commonly report that the pain worsens when lying down or taking deep breaths, but they may find relief when they lean forward. This position reduces pressure on the pericardial sac, which is inflamed in pericarditis, thereby alleviating the discomfort.

Understanding this specific symptom is important because it helps differentiate pericarditis from other potential causes of chest pain, such as myocardial infarction or pulmonary conditions, where the pain may present differently or not improve with body positioning. The characteristics of the chest pain, along with patient history and other clinical signs, are essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.