A member asked:

What impacts does draining flood from around the heart cause?

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Heart beats better!: The heart is "wrapped" with a layer of tissue called the pericardium. When blood or other fluid gets between the heart and its "wrapping" (it does look a bit like plastic wrap!), this puts a tremendous workload on the heart. Imagine trying to blow up a balloon...Under water! once the fluid is removed, the heart no longer has to work so hard to "re-inflate" after it pumps.

Answered 8/29/2012

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Improves heart fxn: A pericardial effusion refers to fluid around the heart. If there is a significant amount, it can lead to a condition known as cardiac tamponade, which prevents the heart from working normally. Draining the fluid can restore normal function, and may be life-saving.

Answered 3/14/2019

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