What is Pericarditis? Pericarditis is inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium) that causes chest pain. Patients with pericarditis typically have sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or lying on their back. Pericarditis may also cause shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, persistent cough, irregular heartbeat, weight loss, or night sweats. ➡️ This JAMA Patient Page describes the signs and symptoms of pericarditis and its diagnosis and treatment: ja.ma/3CLuL8k