Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following pericarditis-related questions:

1. What underlying conditions might be leading to my pericarditis? What if I can't think of anything that might be causing it?
   
   
2. How long should I take NSAIDs or other anti-inflammatories before we attempt a more invasive procedure to relieve my chest pain?
   
   
3. If we use steroids, will they cause side effects like excess hair growth and other things I've heard about with sex steroids?
   
   
4. How long will I need to be in the hospital if I undergo pericardiocentesis or have surgery?
   
   
5. Is there a chance that I will be dealing with periodic episodes of pericarditis for the rest of my life?
   
   
6. Should I have regular follow-up testing to monitor my pericardium?
   
   
7. Am I at increased risk for other cardiac complications because of pericarditis?
   
   
8. What symptoms should I expect if I have recurrent pericarditis?
   
   
9. Can I exercise? Have sex? What should my exercise program look like?
   
   
10. If I get a viral infection, am I at increased risk of pericarditis? Do I need to take prophylactic antibiotics before going to the dentist?