Question 1

at my 20 week ultrasound they found fluid around the baby's heart? what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Fetal pericarditis: The fluid around the heard called "pericarditis". Isolated findings means probably nothing.

"pericardial fluid 2 mm or greater in thickness may be associated with structural anomalies or hydrops, but its clinical significance in the absence of these associated findings has not been evaluated".

Reference: http://www.Jultrasoundmed.Org/content/13/4/291.Abstract.

Question 2

i had an ultrasound at 22 weeks, showing 2.7 mm of fluid on babys heart, no infections were found from me. what could this mean?

Accepted Answer

Pericardial effusion: It sounds like the baby has a percardial effusion. Specific cases like this will need t be addressed by your doctor to determine if further testing is warranted.

Question 3

my niece is 9 weeks pregnant and had a scan today they have found fluid around the heart what does this mean ?

Accepted Answer

Depends: On the amount of fluid.  In general if we see fluid around the heard (pericardial effusion) that goes away when the heart relaxes (diastole) then it is basically of no consequence.  Having said that, 9  weeks is a little early to see that and she needs close followup.  If it is an abnormal amount, there are many causes, most of which are not good have.  Let's hope it's just a tiny amount!

Question 4

i have hypo plastic left heart syndrome and the doctor said i have fluid around my liver what could it mean.

Accepted Answer

Heart failure: If you have survived HPLHS to age 18 you must have had extensive and excellent medical management since you were an infant less than a week old. I am certain you have had multiple open heart surgeries. Fluid around the liver at this time would most likely indicate a degree of heart failure. Check with any of the outstanding providers who have gotten you this far to discuss your personal situation.

Question 5

46 has pnuemonia and just found out she has congestive heart failure. does this mean every time she gets sick fluid will build up around her lungs?

Accepted Answer

No: Not neccesarily. Obviously there should be a work up of  CHF which includes blood work, echo and stress test.

Question 6

if a has 2 heart attacks before a year & now cardiomegaly & lungs filled with fluid means symptoms of conngestive heart failure. will he survive?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Heart attacks can lead to congestive heart failure because of a loss of heart muscle.  This can result in a decrease in the squeezing function of the heart.  This is turn can lead to fluid building up in the lungs causing shortness of breath.  Heart failure can be treated with appropriate medications and diet restrictions.  Your cardiologist would be in a better position to give you an assessment.

Question 7

i am 34 weeks pregnant. i had a 2nd ultrasound done and they found more fluid around the baby heart.  i have to be monitored every week. does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Pericardial Fluid: This is not normal unfortunately. The clinical condition depends on how much fluid around the heart as too much fluid can compromise heart function. That is the reason you need to be monitored closely now.  Hope this helps.

Question 8

my sister is a breast cancer survivor. she has chest pain and her doctor told her she has fluid around her heart. what does this mean? is this real ba

Accepted Answer

Need more workup: Please have your sister work with her doctors to find out why she has a pericardial effusion, or fluid around her heart and chest pain.

Until the reason is figured out, the significance is uncertain.  It could be anything from benign fluid unrelated to her chest pain, or possibly percarditis - an inflammation of the lining (pericardium) around the heart, or something more concerning.

Question 9

should you sleep with a pillow if you have fluid around your heart?

Accepted Answer

Doesn't matter: Sleep however you are most comfortable.

Question 10

what does it mean if heart hurts?

Accepted Answer

Physically or emotio: Physically it means that the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen but emotionally the heart can be strained too by more complex mechanism ( the broken heart syndrome).

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Doctor answers about:

What does it mean to have fluid around your heart

A member asked:

At my 20 week ultrasound they found fluid around the baby's heart? what does this mean?

A member asked:

I had an ultrasound at 22 weeks, showing 2.7 mm of fluid on babys heart, no infections were found from me. what could this mean?

A member asked:

My niece is 9 weeks pregnant and had a scan today they have found fluid around the heart what does this mean ?

A member asked:

I have hypo plastic left heart syndrome and the doctor said i have fluid around my liver what could it mean.

A member asked:

46 has pnuemonia and just found out she has congestive heart failure. does this mean every time she gets sick fluid will build up around her lungs?

A member asked:

If a has 2 heart attacks before a year & now cardiomegaly & lungs filled with fluid means symptoms of conngestive heart failure. will he survive?

A member asked:

I am 34 weeks pregnant. i had a 2nd ultrasound done and they found more fluid around the baby heart. i have to be monitored every week. does it mean?

A member asked:

My sister is a breast cancer survivor. she has chest pain and her doctor told her she has fluid around her heart. what does this mean? is this real ba

A member asked:

Should you sleep with a pillow if you have fluid around your heart?

A member asked:

What does it mean if heart hurts?

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