Chronic pericarditis is usually associated with chronic inflammation and may result in fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion).

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The pain of acute pericarditis may travel into your left shoulder and neck.

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However, some people with acute pericarditis describe their chest pain as dull, achy or pressure-like instead, and of varying intensity.

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If you have acute pericarditis, the most common symptom is sharp, stabbing chest pain behind the breastbone or in the left side of your chest.

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The most common symptom of chronic pericarditis is chest pain.

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Acute pericarditis usually lasts less than a few weeks.

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Chronic pericarditis usually lasts six months or longer.

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