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Cardiac Effusion Symptoms

Cardiac effusion, or pericardial effusion, is a medical condition that causes excessive amounts of fluid to accumulate in the pericardium, a sac around the heart. This condition may be caused by disease or injury of the pericardium.

  1. Breathing

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, patients with pericardial effusion may develop breathing problems such as shortness of breath or painful breathing.

    Heart

    • Pericardial effusion may result in a rapid heartbeat or chest pain.

    Weakness

    • Individuals with pericardial effusion may become dizzy, faint, or develop fatigue or overall weakness.

    Other Symptoms

    • Coughing and a low-grade fever may develop in people with pericardial effusion.

    Complications

    • Pericardial effusion can put pressure on the heart and cause one or more of the heart's chambers to collapse. This condition, called tamponade, is a life-threatening disorder that requires emergency medical help and causes poor blood circulation and insufficient oxygen levels in the body.

    Treatment

    • A doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or perform a surgical procedure to drain fluids from the pericardium and ensure it doesn't fill up with too much fluid in the future.

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