Pericardial effusion is the accumulation of blood or fluids in the membrane surrounding the heart, the pericardium, causing cardiac tampering, which directly interferes with blood flow to organs and tissues, and is therefore considered one that should be regulated as soon as possible. .
This situation is, in most cases, the result of inflammation of the pericardium, called pericarditis, which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disorders. It is important to identify the cause of pericarditis and therefore pericardial effusion in order to start treatment.
- Pericardial effusion can be cured when the diagnosis is made as soon as symptoms appear and treatment is started soon after.
- As directed by the cardiologist.
- To avoid fatal complications in the heart.
Symptoms of pericardial effusion vary depending on the rate of fluid buildup and the amount accumulated in pericardial space, which directly influences the severity of the disease. Stroke symptoms are related to a change in the body’s blood and oxygen supply, which can lead to:
Diagnosis of pericardial effusion is made by the cardiologist based on the person’s assessment of signs and symptoms, medical history analysis, and tests such as cardiac auscultation, chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram.
Pericardial effusion is usually the result of inflammation of the pericardium, known as pericarditis, and this can occur due to infections from bacteria, viruses or fungi, autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, hypothyroidism, the use of medicines to control high blood. blood pressure, or due to the buildup of urea in the blood as a result of kidney failure.
In addition, pericarditis can occur due to heart cancer, metastasis of lung, breast or leukemia cancer, or heart injury or trauma. Thus, these situations can cause inflammation of the tissue lining the heart and promote the accumulation of fluids in this region, causing pericardial effusion. Learn more about pericarditis.
Treatment of pericarditis is indicated by the cardiologist based on the cause of the stroke, the amount of fluid accumulated and the consequences it can lead to the functioning of the heart.
Thus, in case of mild pericardial effusion, in which the risk of impaired heart function is low, treatment consists of the use of drugs such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or corticosteroids such as prednisolone, which reduce inflammation. and the symptoms of the disease.
However, if there is a risk of heart problems, you may need to drink this fluid as follows:
Therefore, it is important that diagnosis and treatment are as short as possible to avoid complications.