What is Dressler's syndrome?
Dressler's syndrome is a condition that can occur following a heart attack. It usually develops several days to several weeks after a heart attack. A person with Dressler's syndrome has inflammation of the pericardium, a sac that surrounds the heart. Inflammation of the pericardium is called pericarditis. Dressler's syndrome is thought to be an autoimmune disease that results when the body immune system reacts abnormally to other parts of the body (pericardium).

What are the symptoms of Dressler's syndrome?
Symptoms of Dressler's syndrome include chest pain that may worsen with leaning forward or taking a deep breath. Other symptoms include left shoulder pain, fever, and breathing difficulty.

How does the doctor treat Dressler's syndrome?
The treatment of Dressler's may include aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, pain medications, corticosteroids, and colchicine. In rare cases, fluid may accumulate within the pericardial sac to the point that it needs to be drained with a needle.