Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion or tamponade)

Overview

Fluid can build up from inflammation, cancer, kidney failure, or after heart surgery.

Tamponade happens when fluid squeezes the heart and needs draining.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pressure
• Fainting

Less common

• Swollen legs

Look up a symptom: Getting winded easily with activity or stairs · Racing or pounding heartbeat

When to get medical care

Causes

Inflammation, cancer, kidney failure.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

This is diagnosed in the emergency room or hospital.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Echo:

Treatment

Emergency care is needed. While waiting for help:

Self-care

• Call 911
• Rest

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat the cause

Which doctor treats this

• Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
• They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Heart Association: Plain-language heart information and a support network for patients.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with cancer: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Learn CPR. Many hospitals and the Red Cross offer classes.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Draining fluid relieves tamponade quickly.

Treatment works well.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What follow-up care do I need?
• How can I prevent this from happening again?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion or tamponade)