Is the electrocardiogram (ECG) normal in pericardial effusion?
Disease description:
I regularly exercise—running half-marathons and swimming 3 kilometers. During my routine physical examination, my heart rate was normal. However, a CT scan revealed a small amount of pericardial effusion. Is the electrocardiogram (ECG) typically normal in cases of pericardial effusion?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Jianbin
This is generally considered normal. It primarily results from leakage of fluid from cardiac blood vessels into the pericardial space; only a small number of patients develop pericardial effusion. A small amount of fluid typically has minimal impact on the body and can be reabsorbed spontaneously; regular follow-up examinations are sufficient. However, if the pericardial effusion becomes excessive, symptoms such as chest tightness, tachycardia, and precordial pain may occur.
