Can COVID-19 cause pericarditis?
While its direct relationship to pericarditis is not known, COVID-19 has been shown to affect those with compromised immune systems more severely. This includes individuals with pericarditis.
It’s also been shown that people experiencing long COVID have a higher risk of acute pericarditis.
Research indicates that the virus can have an impact on the heart (and has been shown to trigger some cases of pericarditis). If you develop COVID-19 symptoms or suspect you may be infected, be sure to tell any healthcare providers you see that you have a history of pericarditis. This will help them manage your care appropriately. And be sure to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine.
Last updated: 04/30/25
The content on this page has been written and approved by Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals.