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Signs of Fluid Around the Heart

When an excess amount of fluid accumulates around your heart, you're actually suffering from a condition known as pericardial effusion. Swelling of the pericardium, which is the protective lining that surrounds your heart, is probably the main culprit of this condition, but you may also experience the accumulation of fluid around your heart as a result of an infection, puncture, arthritis, lupus, cancer or even a complication of a surgical procedure. Regardless of the cause of the fluid buildup, there are certain hallmark symptoms of pericardium effusion.

  1. Asymptomatic

    • At the very onset of the condition, it is quite possible to manifest no symptoms. It isn't until enough pressure is placed on the heart to change its overall function that signs of the condition will manifest. In this situation, diagnosis may come by accidentally during a routine examination for an entirely different condition.

    Shortness of Breath

    • One of the more common signs of fluid around the heart is shortness of breath. This sensation of windedness is largely due to the pressure placed on the heart, causing it to function at a reduced level. This not only affects the flow of blood throughout your body, but also the transportation of oxygen, resulting in deprivation of this element in your system.

    Pain

    • Often accompanying shortness of breath is the symptom of pain. With pericardial effusion, patients frequently develop a pain somewhere along the chest. It may start off as dull discomfort that later increases into a sharp, shooting pain. This pain isn't always isolated to the chest; some people actually begin to suffer from pain upon inhalation.

    Cardiovascular Changes

    • Since the accumulation of fluid affects the overall function of your heart, this condition can inevitably cause a cardiovascular change. As the condition persists and the pressure increases, you may begin to suffer from a more rapid or pounding heart rate. Others may begin to experience an irregular or uneven heartbeat.

    Cognitive Changes

    • It's also quite possible to experience cognitive changes with the accumulation of fluid around your heart. In this situation, the increase in pressure and decrease in oxygen can trigger dizziness or light-headedness. For some people, this may eventually prompt a loss of consciousness or simply a sensation of fatigue or exhaustion.

    Other Symptoms

    • While not necessarily as common as other signs of pericardial effusion, it's quite possible to suffer from other symptoms. Some people may develop an unexplained yet persistent cough. For others, the effusion leads to a low-grade fever, which is an elevation in body temperature to anywhere between 99 and 101 degrees F. You may even begin to experience abdominal distention or some level of nausea. The signs and symptoms of the condition depend on the person more than the accumulation of fluid itself.

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