good cardiologist in yelahanka Pericardial effusion is the excessive accumulation of fluid in the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, which can compress the heart and impair its function, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions like cardiac tamponade. Common causes include inflammation (pericarditis), infections, cancer, trauma, autoimmune disorders, and kidney failure. Symptoms range from chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness to more severe signs of shock, and are diagnosed using imaging techniques like echocardiography. Treatment depends on the size of the effusion and its cause, and may involve monitoring, anti-inflammatory medications, or procedures to drain the fluid.