Pericardial Effusion โ Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Pericardial effusion happens when too much fluid builds up in the pericardium, the protective sac surrounding the heart. Normally, this double-layered sac contains a small amount of fluid.
However, excess fluid can accumulate when the pericardium becomes inflamed due to disease or injury.
Other causes include bleeding around the heart, cancer, or chest trauma, which may occur without inflammation. This condition can be serious because the extra fluid puts pressure on the heart, interfering with normal heart function.
If left untreated, pericardial effusion can lead to severe complications, including:
- Heart failure
- Cardiac tamponade (dangerous pressure on the heart)
- In extreme cases, death
Prompt medical attention is essential when this condition is suspected to prevent these serious outcomes.
Symptoms
Pericardial effusion may cause no noticeable symptoms, especially when fluid builds up gradually. However, some people experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Discomfort while lying down
- Chest pain (typically behind the breastbone or left chest)
- Feeling of chest fullness
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Swelling in legs or abdomen
These symptoms happen because the extra fluid puts pressure on the heart, making it harder for the heart to work properly.
When to See a Doctor
Get emergency help right away if you have chest pain lasting over a few minutes, trouble breathing, or if you faint without reason. Call 911 immediately in these situations.
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you notice shortness of breath, even if it seems minor. Early treatment often leads to better outcomes.
Remember that breathing problems should never be ignored, as they can signal serious health conditions that need medical attention.
Causes
Pericardial effusion often stems from pericardial inflammation after illness or injury. Several factors can trigger this condition.
Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may cause pericardial effusion. Cancer affecting the heart or pericardium directly, or spreading from other areas (especially lung, breast, or Hodgkinโs lymphoma) is another common cause.
Medical treatments such as radiation therapy for cancer near the heart area can lead to this condition. Physical trauma to the chest or inflammation following a heart attack or heart procedures may also result in fluid buildup.
Other notable causes include:
- Thyroid underactivity (hypothyroidism)
- Certain medications or toxic exposures
- Various infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic)
- Kidney failure that allows waste products to accumulate in blood
Sometimes doctors cannot identify a specific cause, which is called idiopathic pericarditis.
The condition may develop when pericardial fluids become blocked or when blood collects within the pericardium.
Complications
Pericardial effusion may lead to cardiac tamponade, a serious condition where excess fluid in the pericardium puts pressure on the heart. This pressure prevents the heart chambers from filling properly with blood.
When cardiac tamponade occurs, it causes poor blood flow throughout the body. It also leads to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and significant strain on heart function.
Cardiac tamponade requires immediate medical attention as it is a life-threatening emergency. Without prompt treatment, the restricted heart function can lead to severe health consequences.
