Can pericardial effusion be aspirated?

Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Pericardial effusion can be treated with percutaneous fluid drainage, particularly in cases where there is a significant amount of fluid. However, for minor effusions, it is advisable that patients temporarily observe their condition and focus on symptomatic treatment. These small amounts of pericardial effusion can be absorbed naturally, and this typically pertains to milder cases. It is also recommended that patients regularly visit the hospital for echocardiography to monitor their condition. If the pericardial effusion does not fully resolve, fluid drainage may sometimes be necessary to alleviate the patient's current condition, as this fluid generally represents an inflammatory exudative change.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
49sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Cai Li E
Cardiology
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Why does pericardial effusion cause abnormal pulses?

Pulsus paradoxus refers to a condition where the pulse weakens significantly or disappears during inhalation, caused by a decrease in the left ventricular stroke volume. Normally, the strength of the pulse is not affected by the respiratory cycle. However, when cardiac tamponade, significant pericardial effusion, or constrictive pericarditis occurs, inhalation can restrict the relaxation of the right heart, leading to a reduced volume of blood returning to the heart and affecting the right heart’s output. Consequently, the amount of blood the right ventricle pumps into the pulmonary circulation is reduced. Furthermore, the pulmonary circulation is affected by the negative thoracic pressure during inhalation, causing pulmonary vessels to dilate and reducing the volume of blood returning from the pulmonary veins to the left atrium. Therefore, the output of the left heart also decreases. These factors lead to a weakened pulse during inhalation, which can sometimes be imperceptible, also known as pulsus paradoxus. This condition can be identified by a significant drop in systolic pressure by more than 10mmHg during inhalation compared to exhalation.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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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
42sec home-news-image

Can pericardial effusion be aspirated?

Pericardial effusion can be treated with percutaneous fluid drainage, particularly in cases where there is a significant amount of fluid. However, for minor effusions, it is advisable that patients temporarily observe their condition and focus on symptomatic treatment. These small amounts of pericardial effusion can be absorbed naturally, and this typically pertains to milder cases. It is also recommended that patients regularly visit the hospital for echocardiography to monitor their condition. If the pericardial effusion does not fully resolve, fluid drainage may sometimes be necessary to alleviate the patient's current condition, as this fluid generally represents an inflammatory exudative change.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
44sec home-news-image

Can pericardial effusion cause shortness of breath?

If the patient has pericardial effusion, this situation is very serious, as pericardial effusion can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. If the pericardial effusion is excessive, it can also cause heart failure in the patient. Sometimes, further pericardiocentesis may be needed to examine the fluid. In cases of pericardial effusion, it is important to assess the patient's condition, as mild pericardial effusion can cause shortness of breath. During treatment, the primary approach is usually to use anti-inflammatory medications or drugs that improve heart function. This can help alleviate symptoms. At the same time, it is important to monitor changes in the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate.