Tag: Pericardial effusion

While 'watery heart' isn't a medical term, it's a phrase people use to describe an odd, unsettling sensation in the chest, often related to heart palpitations or an abnormal rhythm. Understanding the potential causes behind why your heart feels watery can help you determine the appropriate course of action.

The human heart is protected by a double-walled, fluid-filled sac known as the pericardium, which makes understanding **what does the word pericardial mean?** vital to grasping several cardiac conditions. Pericardial refers to anything relating to or located around this crucial fibrous tissue that anchors and safeguards the heart.

Up to 80% of pleural effusions in developed countries are linked to systemic illnesses. The simultaneous build-up of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) and lungs (pleural effusion or pulmonary edema) is a serious sign that points toward a systemic medical issue, rather than a localized problem.

While the term 'effusion' may sound vague, it refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body and a significant number of people are hospitalized for it each year, especially due to fluid in the chest. The simple question, 'Is effusion life threatening?', requires a more nuanced answer, as its severity depends entirely on its underlying cause and location within the body.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate attention. This condition, which helps explain what does the term tamponade mean, involves dangerous fluid accumulation around the heart, compromising its function and posing a serious risk to your health.