What is Pericardial Effusion, and What Causes It?
Pericardial effusion, or fluid around the heart, is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, or the sac around the heart. It can be caused by a number of conditions, some of which can be serious. In most cases, it will not cause any symptoms and is only detected if an echocardiogram, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is done. However, in some cases, it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and/or a rapid heart rate.
The most common cause of pericardial effusion is viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or mumps. Other infections, such as rubella, tuberculosis, and Lyme disease, can also cause the condition. Other causes include trauma to the chest, autoimmune disorders, radiation therapy, cancer, and heart surgery. In severe cases, it can also be caused by allergic reactions or drug reactions, or from excessive build-up of non-inflammatory fluid such blood in the heart or from the digestive tract.
Treatment for Fluid Around the Heart
The treatment for pericardial effusion depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a virus or infection, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed. If the cause is believed to be caused by an autoimmune disorder or cancer, medication or surgery may be used to address it. If the cause is an allergic reaction or drug reaction, the allergen or drug must be identified and avoided in order to prevent future occurrences.
In severe cases, surgery may be required to drain the fluid, or to remove the pericardial sac in order to reduce the pressure on the heart. In some cases, medications may be used to reduce the amount of fluid produced by the heart and to reduce pressure on the heart itself.
Complications of Fluid Around the Heart
If left untreated, pericardial effusion can have serious complications. In some cases, the fluid can lead to thickening of the pericardial sac, known as pericarditis, or a decrease in the amount of blood pumped into the body, known as cardiac tamponade. Cardiac tamponade can lead to a drop in blood pressure, chest pain, and fainting, and in severe cases, death.
In rare cases, the buildup of fluid in the pericardial sac can cause a clot to form, further decreasing the amount of blood pumped into the body. This can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the body and, in severe cases, heart attack and stroke.
Conclusion
Pericardial effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, the sac that surrounds the heart. It can be caused by viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, cancer, trauma to the chest, or heart surgery. It can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and a rapid heart rate, and may lead to complications if left untreated. Treatment for pericardial effusion depends on the underlying cause and can range from medications to surgery. It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms or suspect that you have pericardial effusion.