what happens when you have fluid around the heart?
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This condition is called pericardial effusion. Fluid around the heart puts a strain on this organ's ability to pump blood efficiently. This condition can have serious complications, including death, if it isn't treated.
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Pericardial effusion can result from inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) in response to illness or injury. Pericardial effusion can also occur when the flow of pericardial fluid is blocked or when blood collects within the pericardium, such as from a chest trauma.
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If pericardial effusion symptoms do occur, they might include: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnea) Discomfort when breathing while lying down (orthopnea) Chest pain, usually behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest.
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This happens because when the valve leaks, it can cause the atrium to enlarge. An enlarged atrium may lead to heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation, which may cause blood clots to form. When clots travel from the heart to the arteries or the brain, it can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
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Leg swelling isn't always a sign of a heart or circulation problem. You can have swelling due to fluid buildup simply from being overweight, being inactive, sitting or standing for a long time, or wearing tight stockings or jeans. Factors related to fluid buildup include: Acute kidney failure.
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Edema happens when your small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues. That extra fluid builds up, which makes the tissue swell. It can happen almost anywhere in the body.
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Pericardial effusion is the buildup of extra fluid in the space around the heart. If too much fluid builds up, it can put pressure on the heart. This can prevent it from pumping normally. A fibrous sac called the pericardium surrounds the heart.
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A pericardial effusion is excess fluid between the heart and the sac surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium. Most are not harmful, but they sometimes can make the heart work poorly. The pericardium is a tough and layered sac. When your heart beats, it slides easily within it.
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Drink water Dehydration can cause heart palpitations. That's because your blood contains water, so when you become dehydrated, your blood can become thicker. The thicker your blood is, the harder your heart has to work to move it through your veins.
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In some cases of heart failure, your heart muscle may become damaged and weakened, and the ventricles stretch (dilate) to the point that the heart can't pump blood efficiently throughout your body. Over time, the heart can no longer keep up with the normal demands placed on it to pump blood to the rest of your body.
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Regurgitation occurs when the valve doesn't close all the way. As a result, blood can flow backwards rather than being pumped out of the heart. The left ventricle has to work harder to pump the extra blood that has come back into the heart and, over time, it can thicken.
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Pericardial effusion (per-e-KAHR-dee-ul uh-FU-zhun) is the buildup of excess fluid in the sac-like structure around the heart (pericardium). The pericardium has two layers. The space between the layers normally contains a thin layer of fluid.
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When you have heart disease, your heart may not pump blood in the right way. Your heart may become too full of blood. This causes pressure to build in the main vein connected to your kidneys, which may lead to a blockage and a reduced supply of oxygen rich blood to the kidneys. This can lead to kidney disease.
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This inefficient blood flow causes the heart to pump harder, trying to compensate. As a result, the heart may enlarge and high blood pressure may develop in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). A person with a large VSD may experience shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness.
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Swelling (edema) in your lower legs is another sign of a heart problem. When your heart doesn't work as well, blood flow slows and backs up in the veins in your legs. This causes fluid to build up in your tissues. You may also have swelling in your stomach or notice some weight gain.
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Congestive heart failure. If you have congestive heart failure, one or both of your heart's lower chambers lose their ability to pump blood effectively. As a result, blood can back up in your legs, ankles and feet, causing edema. Congestive heart failure can also cause swelling in your abdomen.
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However, too much fluid causes the pericardium to put pressure on the heart, which prevents the chambers from filling completely. This condition, called tamponade (tam-pon-AYD), results in poor blood flow and a lack of oxygen to the body. Tamponade is life-threatening and requires emergency care.