What happens when the sack around your heart fills with blood?

The sack around your heart is called the pericardium. It is a thin, tough membrane that protects the heart and its major vessels. The pericardium contains a small amount of fluid that helps to lubricate the heart and prevent it from sticking to other structures in the chest.

If the pericardium becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause pericarditis. Pericarditis can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In some cases, pericarditis can lead to a buildup of fluid in the pericardial sac. This is called pericardial effusion.

Pericardial effusion can put pressure on the heart and make it difficult to pump blood. This can lead to heart failure. In severe cases, pericardial effusion can be life-threatening.

Treatment for pericardial effusion depends on the cause of the underlying condition. If the effusion is caused by inflammation, treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications. If the effusion is caused by infection, treatment may include antibiotics. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the fluid from the pericardial sac.