Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor
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Question:
What tests are used to diagnose pericarditis? I have a heart problem which has been ongoing for over a year. I have been seeing my GP however very little testing has been done. The default problem for students is "stress". I personally think I have pericarditis which is causing palpitations, anxiety and raised CK levels. It gets worse when I lie down, although it is hard to describe what 'it' is. My heart seems to beat irregularly and very heavily. My question is, what kind of tests would be best to see if I have this? I thought a stress test would be good because I often get strange palpitation-like feelings while exercising. Thanks for your time.
submitted by Richard, from Nottingham, UK, 1/22/09
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Neil E. Strickman, MD 
The diagnosis of "pericarditis" is a clinical one in nature. Noninvasive testing includes, but is not limited to a 2-dimensional echocardiogram of the heart; computerized heart scan (CT); and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It may be helpful for you to wear a 24- hour monitor (like a SONY Walkman) to capture the palpitations.
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Updated January 2009
