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A friend of mine just had a echo done on her heart and it confirmed that she has fluid on her heart. Her doctor said not to worry, but she is and is wondering how this could have come about. She did have a cold this year that was very lengthy and is also on high blood pressure meds. What information can I share with her or what direction can I point her in to get information.
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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
This Comment
Thank you Pat! I will pass this information along to her an guide her back to EmpowHER. I really appreciate how fast you got back to me.
January 25, 2011 - 7:38pmThis Comment