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What Is Water Around The Heart?

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Sarah Marsh Profile
Sarah Marsh answered
Water around the heart is known in medical terms as Pericardial Effusion. This is described as an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity (the potential space between the parietal pericardium and visceral layer). As there is a limited space in the pericardial cavity, it is relatively easy for fluid accumulation to lead to intrapericardial pressure, which can, in turn, have a negative impact on the functioning of the heart. Types of Pericardial Effusion can be categorized as: Transudative (congestive heart failure), exudative (tuberculosis), haemorrhagic (trauma) and malignant (due to fluid accumulication caused by metastasis)

Some small effusions may not have any symptoms at all but larger ones may make individuals have chest pains and feel pressure on the heart. If you have previously had a heart defect repair, such as an Atrial Septal Defect Secindum, a Pericardial Effusion is present due to the method of repair. A "water-bottle heart” is one of the ways Pericardial Effusion can be recognised by radiographers. The cardiopericardial silhouette is enlarged and resembles the shape of a water bottle or flask.

The treatment of Pericardial Effusion will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the heart impairment. If the Pericardial Effusion has been caused by a viral infection then often it will go away after a few weeks without the need of any treatment. Some small effusions may always be in an individual but never need treating. Pericardial Effusions caused by conditions such as lupus, they can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. Immediate treatment will be required if the effusion is having a serious impact on heart function. If it is causing cardiac tamponade then it will need to be drained. This is usually done by inserting a needle through the chest wall and into the pericardial space and a drainage tube is left in place for a few days.
Deborah Wacker Profile
Deborah Wacker answered
It refers to congestive heart failure. This is when fluid builds up around the heart causing it to not pump properly. Also known as CHF. Usually a Dr will put you on a diuretic to decrease the amount of fluid that is collecting in your body, among other medications.
Deborah Wacker Profile
Deborah Wacker answered
What they mean by saying fluid around the heart is possibly going into congested heart failure if it is serious enough. Again, if its real bad, they might go in a drain the fluid around the heart or maybe give antidiuretics to pass a lot of fluid.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I have slight to moderate fluid around my heart. What causes it and what can be done for it.?
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I  have  water around  my  heart  for four  year  it is not  enough  to be drain  my doctor  don't know  what cause it  I'm am  looking  for a  new  doctor  in that field  help  any  good  doc

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