What is the difference between pericarditis and angina? years ago i had test done in the er, was told there was swelling in the middle of my chest.

Very Different: Pericarditis is due to inflammation around the heart. It causes chest pain that worsens with breathing or change in position. Angina his pain typically from a plugged coronary artery. It worsens with activity, or emotional upset, among other things. I can't tell what you had years ago in the emergency room. But it probably doesn't have anything to do with angina, given your age.

Substantial: Pain can be in same area. But cause very different! pericarditis is inflammation of the sac which surrounds the heart like a ziplock bag! angina is ischemic pain of the heart muscle from coronary disease. Some heart attacks will have pericardial, irritation, fluid, blood as part of the process.