HLSC 2463U Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Pericardial Effusion, Constrictive Pericarditis, Pericarditis
Document Summary
Pericardial layers 2 layers and the pericardial space. Need it to be thick to contract the chambers to push blood out. Fluid is produced; exudate enters the pericardial space and causes. Person is not able to exercise well, gets out of breath easily, doesn"t eat well changes in the function in the pericardial space and the pericardium same signs and symptoms to those of rhf (right heart failure) Acute pericarditis idiopathic or viral infection. Constrictive pericarditis layer of connective tissue covering the heart, can be tougher and stop contraction of the heart. Fibrous tissue scar with calcification that limits the contractile ability of the heart. Accumulation of fluid, occurs over time, pericardium can slowly stretch to accommodate the fluid. Pericardial tamponade occurs suddenly and the pericardium does not have time to stretch to accommodate the stretch. In both situations (tamponade or constrictive pericarditis) there is an increased pressure that causes cardiac compression.
