President Umaru Yar’Adua is being treated in Saudi Arabia for acute pericarditis and it is unclear when he will return, his spokesman said Thursday.
“The medical review and tests undertaken at the hospital have confirmed the initial diagnosis that the president is indeed suffering from acute pericarditis. He is now receiving treatment for the illness and he is responding remarkably well,” said spokesman Olusegun Adeniyi after speaking with the president’s chief physician.
He added he was unsure when Yar’Adua would be able to return to Nigeria.
Definition
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the two layers of the thin, sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. This membrane is called the pericardium, so the term pericarditis means inflammation of the pericardium.
Description
Pericarditis is fairly common. It affects approximately one in 1,000 people. The most common form is caused by infection with a virus. People in their 20s and 30s who have had a recent upper respiratory infection are most likely to be affected, along with men aged 20–50. One out of every four people who have had pericarditis will get it again, but after two years these relapses are less likely.