Gigi De Lana reveals pericarditis diagnosis

Gigi De Lana revealed that she has been diagnosed with pericarditis. 

The singer-actress shared in a Facebook Live on March 12 that her doctors recently confirmed her diagnosis. 

"I forgot to tell you recently, my doctors I actually confirmed that I have pericarditis, which means the lining around my heart is inflamed," she said. 

Per Gigi, she would sometimes get sudden chest pain at random, which can be uncomfortable and scary.

"But the good news is that I'm being closely monitored by my doctors and I'm following their guidance carefully. What they advised me is to continue living my life as normally as possible, while giving my body the time it needs to recover." 

According to the Mayo Clinic, pericarditis is the swelling and irritation of the pericardium, the tissue enveloping the heart. Sharp chest pain happens when the layers of the pericardium rub against each other. 

Aside from chest pain, other symptoms include fatigue, low-grade fever, cough, racing heart, shortness of breath, and swelling of the abdomen. Medication is often used to manage pain and inflammation caused by pericarditis.

Gigi also shared that healing from this condition requires patience, and she is taking it one day at a time. She likewise assured her fans that she is all right and getting the proper medical care from her doctors. 

"So please don't worry about me. My doctors are allowing me to continue performing and doing daily activities as long as I listen to my body and take the rest I need when necessary," she said. 

Gigi added that music and performing have always been a big part of her life, and thanked her fans for supporting and understanding her. 

"Thank you for standing by me, for understanding and for continuing to support me through everything," she said.

"I truly appreciate each and every one of you and please continue to keep me in your prayers as I recover. I promise I'm taking care of myself and doing everything I can to get better. I love you all so much." 

Previously, Gigi fainted after a performance in Samal, Davao del Norte. Her management, Tritone Entertainment, took to social media on March 8 to assure that she was immediately given medical attention and was already in stable condition. 

In 2023, Gigi had canceled a Nueva Ecija gig after fainting on stage during a show in Ilocos Norte the night prior. She and her bandmates were involved in a vehicular accident en route to Ilocos Norte, and continued the show after receiving medical clearance. 

Gigi is best known for her hit cover of Roselle Nava's "Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita." More of her songs include "Bibitawan," "Sa Dulo," and "Naghihilom" with Sponge Cola, among others.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News