HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Does Fluid Around Heart Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 5 Nov 2014

Question: my granddaughter is 32 and was an active swimmer in high school. she is not overweight, doesn't smoke and is an active mother. She was told she has fluid around the heart and that her heart is operating at 10% efficiency. What does this mean and what is the prognosis?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Good prognosis,can be completely cured...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The fluid around your granddaughter's heart might be pericardial effusion. The decrease of left heart functionis most probably due to myocarditis.

It has a good prognosis in up to 40% of cases and a full recovery, while other cases might precipitate to heart failure or dilatated cardiomyopathy.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (3 days later)

My granddaughter may be discharged soon but she will need a vest. What is a VEST? The doctors also mention the possibility of a transplant. I am amazed that such actions will be necessary but believe they are doing right. What is the expectations on longevity with a transplant?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cardiac transplant=best treatment option for her..

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for your follow up queries.

1. VEST is a medical device used to assist her with mobilizing respiratory secretions.

This device generates high airflow velocities inducing cough like shear forces, thus reducing the viscosity of secretions. The final result will be moved secretions from smaller airways to the larger ones, so, it will be easier to get them cleared through coughing.

Your granddaughter will be advised to stay immobilized for long time. While, she is also having pericardial effusion, VEST system will prevent respiratory complications (like severe infections and/or breathing problems).

2. Cardiac transplant is the best option in your granddaughter's case with great expectations to live a longer life the same as compared to other healthy people of her age.

Good luck!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (2 days later)

The team is questioning if a vest is all that effective. Instead they are proposing a defibrillator and pace maker. I am uncertain if this step is in lieu of a transplant and whether they are temporary or permanent devices?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Transplant is permanent;others temporary

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Defibrillator and pace maker are temporary solutions.
They will only improve the systolic function of LV till cardiac transplant. Defibrillator is important in case of life threatening ventricular arrhythmia.

The final solution in case of your granddaughter is heart transplant.

All the best!
Dr.Benard

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj