Too much fluid can build up around the heart. When this occurs, it is known as pericardial effusion. An excess of fluid buildup affects how the heart functions. If left untreated, this condition can lead to heart failure; in extreme cases, it can even lead to death.
What is pericardial effusion?
The pericardium is a double-layered sac that keeps the heart in place as it beats. The sac contains about 15 to 50 milliliters (one to one-third tablespoons) of clear, yellow pericardial fluid. In people with pericardial effusion, hundreds of milliliters of fluid accumulate in the sac.
Severe pericardial effusion is dangerous, as it puts pressure on the heart. The heart muscle subsequently strains to pump blood. It’s critical that the senior receives medical attention for this condition. However, symptoms of pericardial effusion may or may not be present.
What are symptoms of excess fluid near the heart?
Older adults who notice certain symptoms may be suffering from too much fluid buildup around the heart. These symptoms include chest pain or a feeling of fullness in the chest. Seniors might feel discomfort when lying down. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing occur.
Additional symptoms of pericardial effusion include a fast heartbeat or heart palpitations, where the individual experiences sensations that their heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping a beat. The senior’s lips may turn blue, or their belly and legs may swell.
What causes fluid near the heart?
A wide range of causes are responsible for excess fluid gathering near the heart. In some cases, however, the cause of pericardial effusion cannot be determined by a medical professional and is considered idiopathic pericarditis. But many causes are known to cause the condition.
1. Pericarditis
Pericarditis is when inflammation develops in the pericardium, which often happens after an individual suffers a respiratory infection. Pericarditis varies widely and includes bacterial pericarditis (when bacteria enter the fluid surrounding the pericardium) and viral pericarditis (caused by a virus).
2. Injury or Trauma
A senior who experiences a chest trauma, such as after a car crash or being punctured by knives or bullets, is susceptible to excess fluid buildup near the heart. Chest traumas that cause the condition include those that puncture the pericardium or injure the heart muscle itself.
3. Congestive Heart Failure
When an elderly individual’s heart fails to pump blood efficiently, it is known as congestive heart failure. This condition, which affects nearly five million Americans, can cause too much fluid to gather in the sac around the heart as well as other health complications.
4. Heart Problems and Surgery
The pericardium becomes inflamed as a result of a heart attack. The inflammation leads to fluid buildup around the heart. Seniors who have heart surgery are also at risk for developing pericardial effusion if the heart’s lining is injured during the procedure.
5. Cancers and Cancer Treatments
Some cancers can cause excess fluid around the heart. These include lung and breast cancers. Melanoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma can also be responsible for the condition. In rare instances, certain chemotherapy drugs, like doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, lead to pericardial effusion.
Older adults diagnosed with cancer of the heart or pericardium can develop excess fluid buildup near the heart. If radiation is used to treat cancer, it can lead to pericardial effusion, particularly when the heart is in the area of radiation therapy.
To learn how to care for your seniors struggling with lung cancer, read How to Support Seniors with Lung Cancer
6. Hormone Disorders and Autoimmune Conditions
Especially when severe, hormone disorders, like hypothyroidism or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, can be causes of pericardial effusion in the elderly. Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren syndrome, are also responsible for causing pericardial effusion in older people.
7. Complications from Existing Conditions
Seniors who live with certain medical conditions are at risk for developing too much fluid near the heart. Chronic kidney disease and liver cirrhosis, for instance, are known causes of pericardial effusion. Kidney failure can cause waste products in the blood and also lead to excess fluid around the heart.
What are tips for a healthy heart?
It’s important for aging adults to take care of their heart. Reduce the risks of the medical problems that can lead to pericardial effusion by limiting alcohol and eating a heart-healthy diet. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. See a doctor routinely to treat existing medical problems.
A heart-healthy diet includes plenty of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. Plant-based foods can help prevent heart disease. Whole grains, like oatmeal, whole-grain bread, and high-fiber cereal, play large roles in heart health. Consume low-fat protein, like eggs and fish, and limit unhealthy fats.
Although many cases of pericardial effusion are not preventable, it’s still important that seniors remain in good health. The dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care strive to provide the best quality elder care to promote overall health and give seniors a good quality of life.
We offer a comprehensive range of nonmedical care services to give seniors an opportunity to be independent and age in place among family, friends, and their community. Care options include Alzheimer’s care, respite care, post-surgical care, companion care, and hospice care.
All of our care services come with assistance with personal hygiene tasks, like bathing and toileting. Caregivers prepare healthy meals to support heart health. We drive seniors to the doctor’s office for checkups and provide escort to give them confidence with mobility. Light housekeeping is included.
Care plans are flexible and customizable to meet the unique care needs of seniors. Our professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured to give elderly care recipients and families maximum peace of mind. Caregivers are trained in CPR and first aid and know how to respond in an emergency.
Seniors who receive support from Assisting Hands Home Care lead healthier and more independent lives. We are privileged to serve the elderly in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, and the nearby communities. Schedule your free in-home consult to learn more about quality senior home care.
Abhi Mitra founded Assisting Hands Hudson County after recognizing the significant value of personalized and excellent care through family experience, specifically in caring for his grandmother. His expertise in program management, along with a genuine desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives, motivates him to provide the same level of care that his grandmother received. He obtained an MS degree from Pace University, New York, and a Certificate of Executive Healthcare leadership from Cornell University, Ithaka, NY. Abhi efficiently manages tasks with kindness and intelligence, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and welcome. He excels in problem-solving and puzzles while maintaining smooth operations at the agency and ensuring everyone receives high-quality individualized care. His dedication to his work and compassionate nature greatly improves the quality of life for the seniors under his care, providing them with a comfortable and joyful environment. Abhi ensures the highest possible quality, providing reassurance to everyone. His dedication and caring nature contribute to creating a comfortable and joyful environment for those he assists. He enjoys biking, taking walks, and watching cricket with his family and friends.
