Why does pericardial effusion cause difficulty in breathing?

Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

Updated on September 01, 2024

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Pericardial effusion primarily manifests as palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Sometimes, pericardial effusion can exacerbate heart failure. Once heart failure is alleviated, these symptoms can also subside.

Currently, it appears that pericardial effusion mainly presents as palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, which are related to diet and fatigue, especially after exercise. This increase in myocardial oxygen consumption can lead to heart failure, resulting in difficulty breathing, particularly exertional dyspnea. At this point, it is necessary to provide low-flow oxygen inhalation and improve the patient's cardiopulmonary function, which is also helpful.

It is still necessary to actively treat pericardial effusion. The treatment mainly involves diagnostic aspiration of the fluid. If the pericardial effusion is caused by inflammation, it can be treated with antibiotics.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

46sec

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Can pericardial effusion cause facial swelling?

If a patient has a history of pericardial effusion, this condition may present with eyelid edema. Because cardiac tamponade can cause the patient to experience sodium and water retention, this retention can manifest as eyelid edema, as well as edema in both lower limbs. In cases where the volume of pericardial effusion is substantial, surgical treatment, such as aspiration for fluid extraction, may sometimes be necessary. For minor and smaller volumes of pericardial effusion, the effusion can be absorbed on its own, with symptomatic treatment being the main approach. Eyelid edema can occur with pericardial effusion, and active treatment should be pursued. Using medications to improve symptoms can provide relief.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

43sec

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Can you eat eggs with pericardial effusion?

If the patient has a history of pericardial effusion, it is advisable to recommend a diet high in quality protein and avoid spicy and irritating foods. However, consumption of eggs is permissible as they are rich in protein, which can supplement protein intake. During this period, supplementing with albumin can sometimes be beneficial for the absorption of inflammation and the reduction of effusion. During this period, it is still important to maintain a light diet, especially avoiding greasy and spicy foods, while also monitoring changes in the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse. If the heart rate is too fast, sometimes active management is required.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong

Cardiology

1min 13sec

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The causes of recurrent pericardial effusion

Pericardial effusion can be caused by many factors, such as acute pericarditis or chronic tuberculous pericarditis. Other causes include hypothyroidism, tumors, heart failure, and severe hypoproteinemia due to liver dysfunction, all of which can lead to pericardial effusion. Common pericardial effusion infections, hypothyroidism, or heart failure might improve after treatment. However, if the cause of certain intractable diseases cannot be removed, pericardial effusion may recur. For example, pericardial effusion caused by malignant tumors and hypoproteinemia is common in patients with cirrhosis, severe liver failure, or nephrotic syndrome. Such individuals often experience recurring pericardial effusions. Another example is patients with heart failure, who, in the terminal stages of heart disease, also frequently experience recurrences of pericardial effusion. Therefore, managing recurrent pericardial effusions in patients, particularly when not due to infectious factors, can be quite challenging.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

47sec

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Can you exercise with pericardial effusion?

If the patient has pericardial effusion, it is acceptable to encourage them to participate in outdoor activities, but they should exercise moderately and not too vigorously, especially avoiding strenuous physical workouts. Also, aerobic exercises should be moderate, and they should not spend too long on outdoor activities. Decisions should be made based on the individual's condition. If the condition of heart failure is severe, it is advisable for the patient to rest primarily. Particularly in terms of diet, the intake of sodium should be restricted. Sometimes, excessive intake of sodium can exacerbate symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties. These are serious symptoms that require active management and treatment.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

49sec

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Is it serious if the fluid drained from pericardial effusion is red?

If the fluid drawn from pericardial effusion is red, it indicates that there is definitely bloody fluid seeping out. This situation is very serious, and it is recommended that hospitalization be chosen for treatment, as this can alleviate symptoms and improve the patient's cardiac function. If these symptoms persist, they may sometimes worsen, leading to heart failure. The patient may experience palpitations, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the lower limbs. Because pericardial effusion directly affects the function of the heart, treatment may involve the use of cardiotonic and diuretic medications. Mainly, medications that invigorate muscle strength are used to improve the myocardial oxygen consumption of the patient, thereby achieving the goal of alleviating clinical symptoms.