Pericardial effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium, the sac that holds your heart. When it happens quickly or involves a large amount of fluid, the excess fluid can take up too much space in the pericardium, compressing your heart and causing a life-threatening condition known as cardiac tamponade. 26 февр. 2022 г.
Is fluid around the heart life-threatening?
However, an abnormally high level of fluid puts pressure on the heart and affects its ability to pump blood around the body properly. If the level of fluid builds up quickly, it can be life-threatening. Doctors consider cardiac tamponade to be a medical emergency.
How do you get rid of fluid around the heart?
Pericardiocentesis is a procedure done to remove fluid that has built up in the sac around the heart (pericardium). It's done using a needle and small catheter to drain excess fluid. A fibrous sac known as the pericardium surrounds the heart.
Can fluid around the heart go away on its own?
How is it treated? If there is only a small amount of extra fluid in your pericardium, you may not need treatment. The extra fluid may go away on its own. Treatment depends on the cause of the extra fluid, the amount of fluid, and your symptoms.
Why do you get fluid around your heart?
The layers of a thin, sac-like structure called the pericardium surrounds your heart and protects its function. When the pericardium becomes injured or affected by infection or disease, fluid can build up between its delicate layers. This condition is called pericardial effusion.
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