Pericardial Effusion

Picture of a normal heart and pericardial effusion

In a normal heart, a thin layer called the pericardium surrounds and protects the heart. There is a small amount of fluid between the pericardium and the heart. This fluid helps cushion the heart.

But sometimes too much fluid builds up in this space around the heart. This is called pericardial effusion. This extra fluid puts pressure on the heart and can cause chest pain and serious heart problems.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerStephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Last RevisedApril 5, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 5, 2011
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology

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