Managing recurrent pericarditis: Lifestyle modifications
There are actions you can take that may help relieve your symptoms or possibly reduce the risk of pericarditis.
Quick tips
Along with your healthcare provider's instructions, these tips may also help you manage your symptoms of pericarditis:
Be sure to allow yourself to recover from an existing pericarditis flare.
Get plenty of rest.
Don't return to physical activity until your healthcare provider tells you it's OK, as exercise may further damage the delicate tissues of the pericardium or the heart itself.
Follow the treatment plan you made with your healthcare provider, keep your appointments, and take your medication as redirected.
Manage your stress and pain
Discuss management options with your healthcare provider
Breathing exercises (shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure).
Meditation (also shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure).
Finding ways to lessen pain when lying down, such as elevating your head and chest using a wedge under your mattress or using an adjustable bed.
Avoid triggers
People who suffer from recurrent pericarditis may experience different triggers. Some individuals have reported the following precautions may help avoid triggering flares. This is not a comprehensive list.
You may wish to talk to your healthcare provider about limiting:
Alcohol
Excess heat
Stress
Periods of elevated heart rate
TRYING TO REGULATE STRENUOUS EXERCISE
Exercise may trigger a flare, and physicians have advise individuals experiencing a flare to keep their heart rate under 100 beats per minute with moderate activity. Some individuals with pericarditis have reported using a fitness tracker to monitor and record their heart rate.
Your doctor can provide personalized advice and ensure that any exercise regimen is safe and suitable for your individual needs.
YOU MAY WANT TO TRACK YOUR TRIGGERS
If you have repeated pericarditis flares, consider what may have triggered them. By identifying and tracking your triggers, you may be able to avoid future flares.
Recurrent Pericarditis Center Locator
Find a center focused on recurrent pericarditis care. As part of the Addressing Recurrent Pericarditis initiative, the AHA has identified centers across the US that specialize in diagnosing and treating recurrent pericarditis.
Last updated: 10/01/26
The content on this page has been written and approved by Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals.