Pericardial effusion

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

Pericardial effusion puts pressure on the heart, affecting the hearts function. If untreated, it can lead to heart failure or death.

Symptoms:

·         Chest fullness

·         Chest pain

·         Orthopnea

·         Dyspnea

Causes:

·         Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis etc

·         Uremia

·         Trauma or puncture wound near the heart

·         Hypothyroidism

·         Inflammation of the pericardium following heart surgery or a heart attack and many more.

Cardiology research Journals like Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine (CCCM) provides a global open access platform to put forth the ongoing research, reviews articles related to all heart related diseases.