Pericardial effusion occurs when pericardial fluid is blocked or when there is blood in the pericardial cavity and can lead to pericarditis. If you experience persistent chest pain, difficult or painful breathing, or if you have unexplained syncope with symptoms of a pericardial effusion, you should seek medical attention. determine a timely and effective treatment regimen.

Pericardial effusion puts pressure on the heart, requiring aspiration pericardial drainage to decompress and test the fluid. This is the only rescue method and needs to be done quickly.