Inflammation of the pericardium, the protective sac surrounding the heart. Causes chest pain that worsens with breathing and may be accompanied by a characteristic friction rub sound.
From Greek 'peri' (around) + 'kardia' (heart) + '-itis' (inflammation). The term dates to ancient Greek medicine, though understanding of the pericardium's function evolved significantly. Galen first described the pericardium in the 2nd century, but its inflammatory conditions weren't well characterized until the 19th century.
Pericarditis pain has a unique signature - it gets worse when you lie flat and better when you lean forward! This happens because changing position alters how the inflamed pericardial layers rub against each other.
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