Pericardial Effusion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A pericardial effusion is an abnormal amount of fluid between the heart and the pericardium, which is the sac surrounding the heart. Pericardial effusions are associated with many different medical conditions. Most pericardial effusions are not harmful, but large pericardial effusions can cause problems by impairing heart function.
The pericardium is a tough, layered sac that wraps around the heart. When the heart beats, it slides easily within the sac. Normally, only 2 to 3 tablespoons of clear-yellow pericardial fluid are present between two layers, which lubricates the heart's movements within the sac.
Eat for a Healthy Heart
Eating heart-healthy foods may be easier than you think. You don't need to measure or weigh everything or consult calorie books and food labels before every meal. You can fit a healthy diet into a busy lifestyle. It can be as simple as 1-2-3. Just focus on these three areas, says Katie Ferraro, MPH, RD, CDE, a dietitian and assistant clinical professor at the school of nursing at the University of California at San Francisco: Eat more fiber. Switch to healthier fats. Eat less sodium...
Read the Eat for a Healthy Heart article > >
In pericardial effusions, significantly larger amounts of pericardial fluid accumulate. Small pericardial effusions may contain 100 milliliters of fluid. Very large pericardial effusions may involve more than two liters of fluid.
Most pericardial effusions are caused by inflammation of the pericardium, a condition called pericarditis. As the pericardium becomes inflamed, extra fluid is produced, leading to a pericardial effusion.
Viral infections are one of the main causes of pericarditis and pericardial effusions. Infections causing pericardial effusions include cytomegalovirus, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and HIV.
Other conditions that can cause pericardial effusions include:
In a large number of people with pericardial effusion, no cause can be identified. These are called idiopathic pericardial effusions.
When a pericardial effusion is caused by pericarditis, the main symptom is chest pain. The chest pain may be made worse by deep breathing and lessened by leaning forward. When pericarditis is causing a pericardial effusion, other symptoms may include:
In people with a pericardial effusion that's not due to pericarditis, there are often no symptoms.
Large, serious pericardial effusions may cause symptoms including:
A pericardial effusion causing these symptoms is a medical emergency and may be life threatening.
The pericardium is a tough, layered sac that wraps around the heart. When the heart beats, it slides easily within the sac. Normally, only 2 to 3 tablespoons of clear-yellow pericardial fluid are present between two layers, which lubricates the heart's movements within the sac.
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Eat for a Healthy Heart
Eating heart-healthy foods may be easier than you think. You don't need to measure or weigh everything or consult calorie books and food labels before every meal. You can fit a healthy diet into a busy lifestyle. It can be as simple as 1-2-3. Just focus on these three areas, says Katie Ferraro, MPH, RD, CDE, a dietitian and assistant clinical professor at the school of nursing at the University of California at San Francisco: Eat more fiber. Switch to healthier fats. Eat less sodium...
Read the Eat for a Healthy Heart article > >
In pericardial effusions, significantly larger amounts of pericardial fluid accumulate. Small pericardial effusions may contain 100 milliliters of fluid. Very large pericardial effusions may involve more than two liters of fluid.
Causes of Pericardial Effusion
Most pericardial effusions are caused by inflammation of the pericardium, a condition called pericarditis. As the pericardium becomes inflamed, extra fluid is produced, leading to a pericardial effusion.
Viral infections are one of the main causes of pericarditis and pericardial effusions. Infections causing pericardial effusions include cytomegalovirus, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and HIV.
Other conditions that can cause pericardial effusions include:
- Cancer
- Injury to the pericardium or heart from a medical procedure
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Uremia (severe kidney failure)
- Autoimmune disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others)
- Bacterial infections, including tuberculosis
In a large number of people with pericardial effusion, no cause can be identified. These are called idiopathic pericardial effusions.
Symptoms of Pericardial Effusion
When a pericardial effusion is caused by pericarditis, the main symptom is chest pain. The chest pain may be made worse by deep breathing and lessened by leaning forward. When pericarditis is causing a pericardial effusion, other symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (if viral illness is present)
In people with a pericardial effusion that's not due to pericarditis, there are often no symptoms.
Large, serious pericardial effusions may cause symptoms including:
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations (sensation that the heart is pounding or beating fast)
- Light-headedness or passing out
- Cool, clammy skin
A pericardial effusion causing these symptoms is a medical emergency and may be life threatening.
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