When the lining of the heart is infected, that condition is called pericarditis. The heart is protected from injury by a thin sac called the pericardium. If the pericardium becomes inflamed, it rubs against the heart. This action can cause fluid to leak into the pericardium, which makes it harder for the heart to beat effectively.
This condition can occur following surgery to correct a congenital heart problem, but it can also be caused by an injury or infection. Symptoms include a low-grade fever, chest pain, loss of appetite, irritability, and fatigue. This condition can be treated with medication, although in more serious cases, a shunt may need to be inserted to drain fluid from around the heart.
