Which form of heart inflammation tends to have no acute symptoms?

Chronic pericarditis is characterized by the long-term inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. Unlike acute forms of heart inflammation, which typically present with immediate and noticeable symptoms such as chest pain, fever, or shortness of breath, chronic pericarditis often develops slowly and may have mild or even absent symptoms. This can lead to a situation where individuals may not be aware of their condition for a long time, as the body's response is less pronounced and symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions.

In contrast, acute pericarditis usually manifests quickly with severe symptoms that demand immediate attention. Myocarditis, another form of heart inflammation, often includes symptoms that can appear acutely, such as chest pain, fatigue, or arrhythmias. STEMI, which refers to ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, is an acute event that presents with classic signs of a heart attack requiring urgent care. These conditions are markedly different from chronic pericarditis, reinforcing why the latter is noted for frequently lacking acute symptoms.