What symptoms appear after the accumulation of excess fluid in the pericardium?
What is pericardial effusion?
Pericardial effusion is a condition in which excess, extra fluid collects in the pericardium. As a result of the large amount of fluid, the heart shrinks/squeezes, which in itself inhibits the ability of this organ to function properly.
The course of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause.
Pericardial effusion may cause cardiac tamponade.
In a mild course, the patient does not suffer from symptoms, however, signs appear when the effusion forms at a rapid rate and the fluid accumulates in large quantities.
Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade are characterized by:
- Shortness of breath;
- Pain or feeling of pressure, pressure in the chest area;
- Accelerated heartbeat;
- Feeling of heart failure;
- Fatigue;
- Anxiety, confusion;
- Bluish or gray discoloration of lips and nails.
When the pericardial effusion is large enough, it puts pressure on the surrounding tissues or nerves.
In similar clinical cases, patients complain of:
- Difficulty in swallowing;
- Coughing;
- Hiccups.
Pericardial effusion may be caused by:
- Infection;
- Cancer;
- Conditions of the immune system;
- Inflammatory process;
- Hormonal disorder;
- Trauma;
- Heart diseases;
- Blood circulation problems;
- Heart surgery, radiation therapy or side effect of medication;
- Heart failure;
- Chronic kidney disease;
- Kidney failure;
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17351-pericardial-effusion
