lizaantony0223 - First, thanks for looking out for your friend and seeking information to help her. While her doctor may have wanted to reassure her, it isn't helpful to not have an understanding of the medical condition you are facing.
Fluid around the heart is referred to as pericardial effusion and you should look for information using the clinical terms. This means
there's an abnormal amount of fluid between the heart and the pericardium, which is the sac that surrounds the heart. They are associated with several medical conditions, and can also be caused by medications. Most aren't harmful, but a large pericardial effusion can impair heart function.
This link from the Mayo Clinic will help you better understand this condition: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pericardial-effusion/DS01124
I would also advise looking up the medications she's on through our Drugs and Supplements section, or through other resources, to see if this could be a side effect from a medication. If so, she may want to consider changing to another medication in consultation with her doctor.
Again, thanks for looking out for your friend and let us know if you have additional questions.
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lizaantony0223 - First, thanks for looking out for your friend and seeking information to help her. While her doctor may have wanted to reassure her, it isn't helpful to not have an understanding of the medical condition you are facing.
Fluid around the heart is referred to as pericardial effusion and you should look for information using the clinical terms. This means
there's an abnormal amount of fluid between the heart and the pericardium, which is the sac that surrounds the heart. They are associated with several medical conditions, and can also be caused by medications. Most aren't harmful, but a large pericardial effusion can impair heart function.
This link from the Mayo Clinic will help you better understand this condition: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pericardial-effusion/DS01124
I would also advise looking up the medications she's on through our Drugs and Supplements section, or through other resources, to see if this could be a side effect from a medication. If so, she may want to consider changing to another medication in consultation with her doctor.
Again, thanks for looking out for your friend and let us know if you have additional questions.
Take care,
January 25, 2011 - 5:40pmPat
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