Dressler's syndrome

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Symptoms are likely to appear weeks to months after a heart attack, surgery or other heart injury. Dressler's syndrome symptoms may include:

  • Chest pain
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • General feeling of not being well

When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you experience any chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes. Other complications following a heart attack, surgery or other heart injury can cause symptoms of Dressler's syndrome. And chest pain may indicate a recurring heart attack or other undiagnosed disorder. Therefore, it's important to get a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

References
  1. Hoit B. Pericardial disease. In: Fuster V, et al., eds. Hurst's The Heart. 12th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008.
  2. Hoit BD. Pericardial and postpericardial injury syndromes. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
  3. LeWinter MM. Pericardial complications of myocardial infarction. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10. 2010.
  4. Pericarditis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec07/ch078/ch078a.html?qt=Post%20pericardiotomy%20&alt=sh. Accessed Feb. 12, 2010.
  5. Heffner JE. Pleural effusions following cardiac surgery. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
  6. Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 1, 2010.
DS00666 May 11, 2010

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