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Pericarditis refers to the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. This condition can result from various causes, including infections, autoimmune diseases, or can be idiopathic. The inflammation can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a sensation of pressure around the heart area. The correct understanding of pericarditis involves recognizing its direct relationship to the pericardium and its role as a protective layer for the heart, highlighting the anatomical and physiological aspects pertinent to this condition.

The other options refer to different medical conditions: a blood clot in the coronary arteries pertains to coronary artery disease, stenosis of the aortic valve relates to valvular heart disease, and infection of the heart muscle refers to myocarditis. Each of these conditions affects different structures and functions of the cardiovascular system, underscoring the specific context in which pericarditis exists.