Pericardial Effusion - Cardio Doc Balks and Says It's Normal
On every echo minimal pericardial effusion is noted. I have a history of SVT's, erratic blood pressure and shortness of breath with grade 1 dystolic dysfunction. Went to cardio doc yesterday and asked him about the effusion and he just balked and dismissed it saying *everyone has that*. Is this true? Does everyone who has an echo have it noted? Also it was never measured so there's no way to gauge whether it's getting worse. There's also no cause given. I feel dismissed, also feel like I've been given the runaround more times than I can say. Bottom line - should someone have a minimal pericardial effusion noted on their echos?
I'm not a physician so I can't say for certain whether everyone has pericardial effusion noted during an echo. I know that echos are used to determine if they are present and there should be information given about the extent to which the pericardial effusion is occurring and if additional tests are needed. My advice to you is that if you feel dismissed at any time by any physician - GET ANOTHER OPINION. Pericardial effusion can be potentially dangerous. If you are experiencing other symptoms associated with it, you should definitely request a more extensive workup.
Latoya (heart-failure.net, Moderator)
