noun, Physiology. 1. an instrument, often attached to an inflatable air-bladder cuff and used with a stethoscope, for measuring blood pressure in an artery. He who worships his sphygmomanometer as a thing apart and infallible will sooner or later come to grief.
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the tissue layers surrounding the heart. The chest pain of pericarditis is usually sharp and stabbing. It can radiate to the back, neck, or arm. The pain may worsen when taking a deep breath or lying flat and lessen when leaning forward.
When you are short of breath, it may feel like you can't catch your breath or your chest may feel tight. Often, it is worse when you exercise or are being active. It can be worse when you lie down flat. You may have other symptoms such as a cough, chest pains, or fever.