Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) Practice Test

Pericarditis involves the inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium. This condition can result from various factors, including infections, autoimmune disorders, or after heart surgery, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. The pericardium consists of two layers, and when it becomes inflamed, it can cause these layers to rub against each other, resulting in the characteristic sharp chest pain often reported by patients. Understanding this distinction is crucial because it highlights the specific nature of pericarditis as an inflammatory condition rather than one that affects the heart muscle itself or the blood vessels. This clarity is important in the context of cardiac disorders, as accurate diagnosis and treatment depend on recognizing the underlying pathology.