Definition:
Post-myocardial infarction syndrome, otherwise known as the Dressler's syndrome, is a complication which develops several days or weeks after a heart attack or heart surgery, occurring when the pericardium becomes inflamed.
Diagnosis:
Post-myocardial infarction syndrome may be diagnosed through the taking and assessment of the medical history, physical examination, blood tests and other diagnostic tests, including chest x-ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram.
Symptoms and Signs:
Post-myocardial infarction syndrome occurs days or weeks after a heart attack or a heart surgery, and causes symptoms akin to those suffered during a heart attack, such as fever, leukocytosis, chest pain, left shoulder pain, and shortness of breath or pain when breathing.
Causes:
Post-myocardial infarction syndrome is believed to be caused by an overactive immune system response to heart tissue damage, such as from a heart attack or heart surgery, which response appears to cause excessive inflammation in the pericardium, and results to post-myocardial infarction syndrome. ------------------------------------------------
Treatment:
In mild cases of post-myocardial infarction syndrome, a good rest may be all that is needed. However, in severe cases, medications, such as aspirin and other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and pain medications, and hospitalization may be necessary.
