Pericardial Disease

• Fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity.
• Can cause:

• Cardiac tamponade: Pressure builds in the heart as fluid is present in the pericardial cavity – causes shortness of breath, weakness, lightheadedness, cough, etc.
• Dyspnea: Disease of the lung – shortness/difficulty in breathing.
• Low blood pressure: Lower than 90 mm Hg systolic or 60 mm Hg diastolic.
• Distant heart sounds: Due to a chest that is expanded by fat or air – creates distance between the stethoscope and the heart.