Diseases

Pericardial Disease

Back

Pericardial effusion ("fluid around the heart") is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity. Because of the limited amount of space in thepericardial cavity, fluid accumulation leads to an increased intrapericardial pressure which can negatively affect heart function.

SYMPTOMS

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnea), discomfort when breathing while lying down (orthopnea), chest pain, usually behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest, chest fullness.

CAUSES

Pericardial effusion, and the possible inflammation of the pericardium resulting from it (called pericarditis), can have many possible causes, including:
Infection such as viral, bacterial or tuberculous.
Inflammatory disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.