Pericarditis
What is pericarditis?
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, a sac-like structure with two thin layers of tissue that surround the heart to hold it in place and help protect it from damage from infection and malignancy. A small amount of fluid keeps the layers separate so there’s less friction between them as the heart beats.
![father and daughter close up father and daughter close up](/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/Pericarditis/father-and-daughter-close-up.jpg?h=338&iar=0&mw=600&w=600&sc_lang=en)
Support That Empowers
Recovery becomes so much more manageable when you have the right kind of emotional support. Our online community of patients, survivors and caregivers is here to keep you going no matter the obstacles. We’ve been there, and we won’t let you go it alone.
![WLLWidget1 Interactive Cardiovascular Library Thumbnail image](/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/Watch-Learn-and-Live/WLLWidget.jpg?h=221&iar=0&mw=390&w=390&sc_lang=en)
Watch, Learn and Live
See your cardiovascular system in action with our interactive illustrations and animations.![Woman reading Heart Insight on tablet Woman reading Heart Insight on tablet](/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/Main-Landing/Heart-Insight--form.jpg?h=534&iar=0&mw=2000&w=800&sc_lang=en)