postmyocardial infarction syndrome /-mī·əkär″dē·əl/ [L, post + Gk, mys, muscle, kardia, heart; L, infarcire, to stuff] , a condition that may occur days or weeks after an acute myocardial infarction. It is characterized by chest pain, fever, pericarditis with a friction rub, pleurisy, pleural effusion, joint pain, and elevated white blood cell count and sedimentation rate. It tends to recur and often provokes severe anxiety, depression, and fear that another heart attack is occurring. Treatment includes aspirin, reassurance, and a short course of corticosteroids. Nursing care includes close observation and emotional support, especially when debilitating anxiety and depression are present. Also called Dressler’s syndrome.
