What is pericardium?

Pericardium is a protective bag around the heart and the roots of the main veins and arteries that lead to it. It consists of two primary layers, one of which is divided into two sub -layers. Its main purpose is to hold and lubricate the heart and make sure it does not spread too much. Although pericardium problems are relatively rare, they may occur if too much fluid swells or collects. Most of the time, such problems are treatable, although a particularly large accumulation of fluid, called heart tamponade, may be life -threatening emergency.

Structure

This bag consists of two main parts: a fibrous layer that is the farthest from the heart, and the serous layer that is inside. The fibrous layer adjacent to the pleura or membrane covering the lungs and is attached to the breast bone and membrane. The serous layer is divided into two sub-Layers: a parietal layer that is immediately indoorFiber layer, and visceral layer, which is directly next to the heart. In the space between visceral and parietal layers, there are about 1.2 ounces (35 ml) of fluid called the pericardial cavity.

Function

Perikardium serves three main features. It protects the heart and holds it in place and ensures that it is not affected by changes in blood pressure and that it can work, even if a person gets a serious wound on the chest. It also keeps the heart lubrication, so it can draw efficiently and smoothly, without or different layers of the pericardial bag that catches on the other. In addition, it limits the amount of space to which the heart must spread, which prevents too much heart when it is filled with blood.

Pericardial disorders

One of the most common problems associated with the pericardium is a condition called pericarditis, in which Becoms inflamed and swollen and caused pain and shortness of breath. This may be caused by viral infection, an inflammatory condition such as lupus, tumor or trauma directly into the heart like srderises surgery or injury. Some people also develop this in response to certain drugs, including phenytoin and procainamide, and others have no reason for it. Many cases of pericarditis are resolved and this situation is usually not a reason for concern if the swelling does not become too serious. Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common treatment for most cases of mild pericarditis.

Another common pericardial disorder is the pericardial discharge in which another liquid accumulates in the pericardium, thus imposing pressure on the heart. It may come from longer periods of pericarditis, trauma, infection, lupus or cancer and generally clarifies when the basic condition is treated. If too much liquid accumulates, then the heart tamponade calls, in which the pressure increase seriously affects the functioning of the heart. It is a medical emergency and can be deadly if it is not treated quickly. Treatment of heart tamponade is usually either pericardiocentesis in which the fluid is removed from the pericardium needle and stA rhythm, or a pericardial window into which the surgeon cuts the hole into the pericardium and puts the thoracic tube into it to release the liquid.