Antibiotics are used aggressively to treat bacterial infections. Other medications may include analgesics to relieve pain and diuretics to remove excess fluid. Bedrest with the head of the bed elevated may be recommended to reduce the workload on the heart. The disorder may be life threatening if untreated. The outcome is good if bacterial pericarditis is treated promptly.
Most people recover completely with treatment.
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate bacterial pericarditis may be present. This is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the heart. The valves, chambers, and associated vessels are labeled. This is an illustration of the exterior of the heart. The arteries are colored blue and represent blood that is flowing into the heart.