South Pasadena, CA
A 44-year-old female asked about a 45-year-old female:
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
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Accursoanswered
Radiology 30 years experience
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.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Alexander Barkananswered
General Surgery 25 years experience
Fluid around heart: Technically it is called a plueral effusion and can be do several reasons including infection and cancer related. She should be checked for fluid in other areas including abdomen and around lungs. Ultimately if the fluid increases in amount it should be removed to prevent inability of the heart to function do to the surrounding pressure of the effusion. Should have close follow up with heart dr.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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