Fluid Around the Heart and Bradycardia


Fluid around the heart or Pericardial Infusion is when fluid starts building around the heart. This situation develops due to inflammation in the pericardium. Pericardium is a double-coated membrane pouch that surrounds the heart to protect it. The two layers of the membrane are fibrous and serous. Fibrous connects the heart with other tissues, and serous contains yellow fluid that prevents abrasion when the heart pumps.

Brief on Bradycardia

Bradycardia is another situation when your heart will pump more slowly than usual. A low heart rate is known as Bradycardia. Once people suffer from Bradycardia, the heart cannot pump enough oxygen to the blood. Once people start suffering from this problem, people may feel dizzy and tired. Facing shortness of breath is another symptom of Bradycardia.

However, a slow heartbeat between 40 to 60 is common while people are asleep. Sometimes trained athletes can also have low heart rates during their sleep, which is nothing to worry about. If the situation worsens, the doctor may suggest implanting a pacemaker to maintain the heart rate.

Causes of Building Fluid Around The Heart

People usually suffer from Pericardial Effusion or fluid building around the heart due to an injury or health problem. Again, if anyone has cancer, that can also build near the heart. Besides, people suffer from an autoimmune disorder, chest trauma, irritation in the pericardium, and bacterial or fungal infection can lead to the fluid inside the heart.

Again, people must consume different drugs, which can cause fluid building. Radiation therapy can also build fluid around the heart. If anyone suffers from making this fluid, it can create pressure on nature and result in cardiac Tamponed. This health issue can cause poor blood flow and oxygen deficiency.

Probable Symptoms of Pericardial Effusion

Pericardial effusion or fluid around the heart can develop several health hazards if not properly managed. If people face the following symptoms, these can lead to Pericardial Effusion.

  • People can suffer from shortness of breath. Difficulty in breathing is a prime symptom of pericardial effusion.

  • Sometimes individuals can suffer from discomfort in breathing while lying down. This can be due to the consumption of fluid around the heart.

  • People can also suffer from chest pain. This pain typically arises on the left side of the chest.

  • Chest fullness is another symptom if anyone is suffering from fluid around the heart.

  • Feeling faint is another symptom of pericardial effusion.

  • You can also feel swelling in the abdomen and legs.

Causes of Bradycardia

Several causes are responsible for Bradycardia, and people can suffer from this health issue for several reasons.

  • A slow heart rate can be developed due to damaged heart tissue. Heart tissue can get damaged due to a heart attack or other heart disease.

  • Sometimes people can have congenital heart disease, leading to a low heart rate in the future.

  • People suffering from myocarditis or inflammation of heart tissue can feel the problem of low heart rate.

  • If anyone has already gone through heart surgery, they can suffer from Bradycardia.

  • An imbalance of potassium and calcium in the body can develop a slow heart rate.

  • Individuals who are suffering from inflammatory diseases like lupus, rheumatic fever, etc can also face low heart rates.

Symptoms of Bradycardia

Bradycardia leads to a low heart rate, which can prevent the brain & other organs from working perfectly. This situation will not supply adequate oxygen to the organs of the body. This situation can create the following signs and symptoms.

  • Suffering from chest pain and memory problems.

  • Dizziness and lightheadedness can also be developed.

  • Some people may also suffer from confusion or memory issues due to a slow heart rate

  • A slow heart rate will make people tired of simple daily work. One can suffer from fatigue

  • Shortness of breath and fainting can also develop due to a slow heart rate

Low Heart Rate and Related Risk Factors

Individuals suffering from damage to heart tissue or heart disease can suffer from low heart rates. Health issues like older age, high blood pressure, smoking, heavy consumption of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, excess stress, and anxiety can enhance the chances of a low heart rate.

Can Pericardial Effusion Advance Bradycardia?

Many are confused about whether pericardial effusion can develop a slow heart rate or not. Pericardial effusion is a situation that can create pressure on the heart, and the heart starts working less. If this situation is left untreated, it can lead to heart failure.

Preventive Measures

Bradycardia can get caused by several health issues and medications. Experts suggest getting involved in regular exercises and eating a healthy diet to stay away from a low heart rate. Individuals also need to stop smoking and maintain blood pressure levels to prevent low heart rates.

Conclusion

Bradycardia and low heart rate both create severe health problems in the future. Consumption of fluid around the heart creates a situation of low heart rate. This situation can become life-threatening if untreated. Hence, experts suggest taking necessary precautionary measures to eliminate this problem.

Updated on: 05-May-2023

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