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Pericardial effusion: Fast facts

Pericardial effusion: Fast facts (00:00:26)
Video Transcript

Pericardial effusion is a buildup of too much fluid in the sac around your heart.

This sac is called the pericardium.

Normally, there is a small amount of fluid between this sac and your heart.

This fluid surrounds and helps cushion your heart.

Extra fluid can be caused by many things, such as inflammation of the sac, a heart attack, and kidney failure.

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