Pericardial effusionIn 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. ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerRakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerStephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Current as ofSeptember 21, 2016 Current as of:
September 21, 2016 Author:
Healthwise Staff Medical Review:
Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
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