heart and blood vessel disorders
Complications of an Acute Coronary Syndrome
Pericarditis
 Acute Pericarditis (inflammation of the two-layered sac that envelops the heart) may develop in the first day or two after a heart attack. Pericarditis is more common in people who have not had the blocked artery opened by Post-myocardial infarction (Dressler) syndromeis pericarditis that develops 10 days to 2 months after a heart attack. This syndrome causes fever, pericardial effusion (extra fluid in the space surrounding the heart), inflammation of the membranes covering the lungs, pleural effusion (extra fluid in the space between the two layers of the pleura), and joint pain. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms it causes and on the time it occurs. People who develop pericarditis are usually given a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.Colchicineis often rapidly effective. Even with treatment, the syndrome can recur. If post-myocardial infarction syndrome is severe, a corticosteroid or a different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug may be needed for a short time. 