What is pericardial effusion?

Pericardial effusion is collection of fluid within the layers covering the heart. Pericardium is the covering of the heart. It has an inner layer and an outer layer. Fluid collects in between these layers in certain disease conditions and compresses the heart. If the amount of fluid is large or there is a rapid increase in the rate of fluid collection, the compression of the heart prevents its proper filling. An unfilled heart is not able to pump out blood well and the blood pressure falls. This serious condition is known as cardiac tamponade.

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