What causes fluid on the heart?
This description of fluid on the heart refers to a medical condition known as pericarditis. This is the result of inflammation of the membrane that covers the heart itself, and because it has two layers, fluid can build up between them causing a pericardial effusion. Although any form of injury, including surgery necessary to carry out a quadruple bypass, can cause this effusion as a complication – the acute damage caused by the surgery 10 years ago won’t now be responsible for the current problem. The common causes can include viral infections, a recent heart attack and disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Occasionally the fluid builds up for no obvious or apparent reason. Common symptoms include discomfort, pain and sometimes a temperature. I expect your uncle’s having chest X-rays and echocardiograms (ECGs) as well as medical examinations. Once the cause has been identified, he will be treated either with anti-inflammatory medications, or the docto
