Pleural effusion due to heart failure
heart failure
IN A NUTSHELL
Common causes of heart failure
- Heart attack
- Heart valve defects
- Long-lasting high blood pressure
Symptoms of heart failure
- Rapid exhaustion / tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Lack of energy
Synonyms for heart failure
- Cardiac insufficiency
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is also known commonly as cardiac insufficiency. This term also describes very well what happens in heart failure: Namely, the heart becomes weaker. Due to the reduced pumping capacity of the heart, the same amount of blood can no longer be pumped through the body as by a healthy heart. This leads to a lack of oxygen in the muscles and organs.
Causes of heart failure
Heart failure usually develops due to another disease, such as a heart attack. In the process, the heart tissue is damaged, weakening it. However, there are also other factors that can lead to heart failure, such as heart valve defects, persistent high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus.
Symptoms of heart failure
Symptoms are very non-specific, especially in the early stages of the disease. The onset of the disease is often insidious, and therefore it is often detected very late. It is therefore important to pay attention even to mild symptoms. If several of the following symptoms occur at the same time, a doctor should be consulted to make a comprehensive diagnosis.
- Rapid fatigue
- Low load capacity
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Cold Hands & Feet
Why does heart failure cause pleural effusion?
If the heart is no longer pumping hard enough, blood accumulates in the vessels that carry it back to the heart. The increased pressure in the veins causes fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue. This can lead to pleural effusion and, in rare cases, ascites. This is accompanied by other stressful symptoms, such as pressure across the chest, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Treatment of pleural fluid
Pleural effusion is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of an existing disease. It is therefore important to treat the underlying disease. There are different ways to treat symptoms of pleural effusion:
Puncture:
During a puncture, excess fluid is removed with a needle, which relieves acute symptoms such as shortness of breath – but often only temporarily. The procedure can be painful, carries an increased risk of infection, and requires repeated treatments. For patients and their relatives, this means frequent clinic visits and an additional burden
Punctures are carried out in the clinic/hospital as needed and carry a relatively high risk of infection. In addition, the patient and relatives spend much time in the clinic/hospital.
Talcum pleurodesis:
Talc pleurodesis involves the introduction of talc into the pleural cavity, causing the pleural sheets to stick together. This prevents fluid from accumulating in the pleural cavity. This type of pleurodesis can sometimes be painful.
ewimed Service
With our drainage system, you can drain the fluid safely and independently at home. A soft, flexible silicone catheter is implanted during a short, minimally invasive procedure. The benefits: fewer hospital visits, symptom control, increased mobility and more independence in everyday life.
Download the information material here
Patient brochure
Do you or a loved one suffer from pleural effusion or ascites? In this leaflet you will find everything you need to know about how to safely drain excess fluid at home.
Information leaflet on liver cirrhosis
Are you or a loved one suffering from cirrhosis of the liver with accompanying pleural effusion or ascites? In this brochure you will find everything you need to know about symptom relief.
Patient brochure
Are you or a loved one suffering from pleural effusion or ascites? In this brochure you will find everything you need to know about pre-existing conditions, information about the implantation of an indwelling catheter to relieve symptoms and how the unique ewimed care concept can provide you with optimal care at home.
Frequently asked questions
Pleural effusion is an increased accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (between the lungs and the chest wall). In heart failure, the heart no longer pumps enough blood. This leads to filling of the vessels, fluid leaks out and accumulates in the pleural space.
Heart failure often leads to a build-up of blood in the vessels. This increase in pressure in the vessels causes fluid to leak from the blood vessels into the pleural space, causing pleural effusion there.
Patients with heart failure and pleural effusion often experience increasing breathlessness, especially with physical exertion. Other symptoms may include persistent cough, chest tightness and general fatigue. These symptoms are similar to those of heart failure, but may be exacerbated by the extra pressure on the lungs.
When pleural fluid is suspected, different imaging techniques are used. Usually, a chest X-ray is taken to detect fluid accumulation. If necessary, an ultrasound scan or a thoracocentesis (removal of the fluid for analysis) is also performed.
If heart failure is successfully treated, the formation of pleural fluid can also be prevented or reduced. If the treatment of the underlying disease is not successful, the pleural fluid should be addressed to avoid further symptoms.
Yes, in chronic heart failure there is a risk of pleural effusion recurring. Regular medical monitoring and adjustment of treatment is important to prevent future pleural effusions.
The best prevention is consistent treatment of heart failure. Talk to your doctor to get the best possible treatment based on your individual situation.
Pleural fluid can be an indication that heart failure is worsening, which is often the case in advanced heart failure. It is important to seek medical attention immediately at the first sign of breathing difficulties or other symptoms to avoid deterioration.
With effective treatment of heart failure, pleural fluid can also disappear or improve significantly. However, long-term control of heart failure is crucial, as inadequate treatment can lead to recurrent pleural effusion.
Do you have any questions?
Contact us directly or find a selection of frequently asked questions here.