31^st World Heartcare Summit

Pericardial Disease

Pericardial disease  can present clinically as acute pericarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponed, and constrictive pericarditis.  Later, the patient may develop chronic or recurrent pericarditis. Pericardial effusion may result from inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) after disease or injury. In some circumstances, certain cancers can cause large amounts of exudate.  Blockage of pericardial fluid or pooling of blood within the pericardium can also cause this condition. Depending on the severity of the accumulation, pericardial effusion can be treated with medication. If the medical team determines that excess fluid needs to be drained, they may recommend a procedure called pericardiocentesis, which uses a needle and a small catheter to drain the fluid.  Pericarditis pain can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.).   Prescription strength pain relievers are also available.