Fluid around the heart, known as pericardial effusion, can be caused by various factors. Some of the common causes include:
- Inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) after an illness or injury.
- Bleeding related to cancer or after chest trauma.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
- Viral infections, which can lead to inflammation and effusions.
- Injury to the sac or heart from a medical procedure.
- Heart attack.
- Waste products in the blood due to kidney failure (uremia) .
Pericardial effusion can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, discomfort when breathing while lying down, and in severe cases, it can cause cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition where the excess fluid within the pericardium puts pressure on the heart, affecting its function. If left untreated, pericardial effusion can lead to heart failure or even death.
Treatment for pericardial effusion depends on its severity and cause. In some cases, treating the underlying medical condition, such as viral infections or kidney failure, can help treat the effusion. In more severe cases, pericardiocentesis, a procedure where a doctor inserts a needle through the chest into the pericardial effusion to drain the fluid, may be necessary.
