What is pericardial effusion?

Pericardial effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid inside the sac that covers the heart, usually due to inflammation. Treatment is directed to the underlying cause and may require surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the heart from accumulating fluid.

How do members experience pericardial effusion?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with pericardial effusion*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for pericardial effusion*

Who has pericardial effusion on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 0
20s 2
30s 10
40s 16
50s 12
60s 11
70+ 6

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 15
Female 44