I have severe three vessel CAD with a longstanding total occlusion of the RCA, a ruptured plaque in my left main and an ostial occlusion of the circumflex.
Since a heart attack 4 years ago, I have embarked on a program of aggressive lipid and bp control via multiple medications and daily exercise. I've generally experienced very good health and physical ability over the last years as long as I walk a narrow path of taking good care of myself and getting my exercise.
I'm currently experiencing a very painful episode of inflamation of the pericardium, which I also experienced in May of this year. In this case I went downhill skiing Christmas day. I felt great, the snow was great, and I skied hard and fast all day. Although I felt fine that night and the next day, I'm sure that I overdid it physically.
Saturday I started experiencing stabbing pains in my chest which evolved into classic symptoms of pericarditis. My heart itself seems unaffected in that I can walk uphill without angina and a nitro had no effect on the pain.
I can't seem to find any literature on people with CAD who experience short term bouts of inflammation of the pericardium due to over exertion.
My question is: Is short term inflammation of the pericardium a recognized phenomenon in people with CAD? Is it possible that this is, as I suspect, just an inflammatory event provoked by too much physical activity, and not full blown pericarditus?
I do know that it can be prevented by leading a balanced life and the pain that I have experienced is a good incentive to remember that.
Happy Holidays,
WJS